By Charles Igwe
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s Presidential Candidate in the 2023 elections, has urged Nigerians to strive for genuine independence, free from state capture, to alleviate the ongoing hardship in the country. In his Independence Day message on Tuesday, Obi emphasized the need for a nation where the people are no longer suffering due to leadership failures.
“On this day, we must make a sober commitment to build a nation truly independent from the state capture that has held it down and kept the people suffering,” Obi remarked.
In a message shared on his X handle, the former Anambra State Governor reflected on the significance of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary. He noted that anniversaries provide opportunities for reflection, celebration, and forward-looking gratitude. However, Obi emphasized that this year’s anniversary should be a moment of sober reflection, particularly for leaders whose actions have contributed to the country’s struggles.
“An unexamined life, they say, is not worth living. We must, therefore, examine our lives in light of our journey as a nation over the last six decades,” Obi stated. He questioned whether the country has uplifted its citizens from poverty or worsened the situation, lamenting the growing number of out-of-school children and the nation’s debt crisis.
Obi expressed deep concern about Nigeria’s poor performance in key areas of development, citing its low rankings on safety, corruption, and peacefulness. He warned that the country is on the verge of further decline, especially when compared to nations that gained independence around the same time.
“Today, we must commit ourselves to building a nation free from state capture, tribal disunity, and religious disharmony,” Obi said, stressing the importance of creating a productive Nigeria that prioritizes the well-being of its people. “That is the true independence we will one day celebrate, and it is possible.”
