Peter Obi Says at @64, Nigeria Needs Immediate Rescue From Further Degradation

As Nigeria commemorates its 64th anniversary of independence, Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party's presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, has urged leaders “whose actions and inactions have led to the stagnation and evident failures currently observed” to engage in deep reflection. In a message shared on his X account on Tuesday, Obi noted that Nigeria is lagging behind when compared to other nations that achieved independence around the same period, whether before or after. He expressed concern that the nation requires immediate intervention to prevent further deterioration across all sectors of the economy. He stated: Anniversary celebrations, whether for individuals or nations, provide a moment to reflect on past experiences, celebrate achievements, look forward to the future, and express gratitude. This is precisely what we are doing today as our beloved nation celebrates its 64th independence anniversary. It has been 64 years since Nigeria assumed control of its destiny and embarked on the path of development as a sovereign entity. Today serves as a moment to thank God for generously endowing us with natural, human, and material resources necessary for nation-building. Nevertheless, I believe this should also be a day for profound reflection for every Nigerian, particularly for us, the leaders, whose actions and inactions have contributed to the stagnation and evident failures we currently face. As the adage suggests, an unexamined life is not worth living. Therefore, we must scrutinize ourselves in light of our nation’s journey over the past sixty years. Have we succeeded in elevating our citizens from poverty, or have we inadvertently pushed more individuals into its depths? Have we ensured that every Nigerian child has access to education, or have we permitted a staggering number of over 18 million children to remain out of school and wander the streets? Have we established a thriving economy, or have we instead fostered a nation burdened by the most significant debt in its history? By all standards of development, from the most critical issues to the finer details, our performance is lacking. We are ranked poorly in terms of security and peace, positioning us among the most insecure nations worldwide. Additionally, we find ourselves listed among the most corrupt countries, characterized by a blatant disregard for the rule of law. Our nation teeters precariously on the brink of crisis. When we assess our situation in relation to countries that achieved independence around the same period—whether before or after us—Nigeria emerges as a nation in decline, in dire need of intervention to prevent further deterioration. On this day, we must pledge to construct a nation that is genuinely free from the state capture that has led to its failures and perpetuated the suffering of its people. We must strive to create a nation devoid of tribal discord and religious strife. We must endeavor to build a New and Productive Nigeria that places the welfare of its citizens at the forefront. This is the independence we ought to celebrate as a nation with the potential for greatness.