Peter Obi | File Image
Obi: When compared with some countries who gained independence around the sametime as ours, before and after us, Nigeria stands out as a failed nation that must be urgently rescued from further decadence
By Valentine Amanze
Nigerians must make a sober commitment to build a nation truly independent from the present state capture that has held them down in failure and kept them suffering, says Labour Party (LP) Presidential flagbearer in the 2023 polls, Mr. Peter Obi.
Obi gave the advice in his Independent Day message on his X handle, @PeterObi, on Tuesday October 1, 2024.
The Anambra State former governor said that anniversary celebrations were for self-assesment to evaluate ones level of progress.
Also read: Nigeria’s 64 years: Mourning or jubilation?
His words: “Anniversary celebrations, whether of an individual or country, provide opportunities to reflect on memories, celebrate accomplishments, look to the future, and offer gratitude.
“This is exactly what we are doing today as our dear nation marks its independence anniversary; 64 years since our country, Nigeria, took charge of its destiny and began its journey to development as an independent nation.
“It’s a day to appreciate God for lavishly endowing us with everything natural, human, and material to be a great nation.
“For me, however, this day should be a day of sober reflection for every Nigerian, especially for us, the leaders, whose actions and inactions have continued to contribute to the retrogression and very visible failure we are all witnessing.
“An unexamined life, they say, is not worth living. We must, therefore, examine our lives in the light of our journey as a nation within these last six decades.
“Have we pulled our people out of poverty or have we thrown more people into poverty? Have we made education accessible to every Nigerian child, or have we raised an army of over 18 million out-of-school children roaming the streets? Have we built a productive economy, or have we built a nation with now the worst debt profile in our nation’s history?”
Obi further lamented that Nigeria has perfomed poorly on development since independent in 1960.
“From ranking poorly on safety and peacefulness to being one of the most terrorized countries in the world. From being ranked among the most highly corrupt countries in the world to being placed among the nations with gross disobedience to the rule of law.
“Our nation has continued its dangerous dance on the edge of a precipice.
“When compared with some countries who gained independence around the sametime as ours, before and after us, Nigeria stands out as a failed nation that must be urgently rescued from further decadence,” he said.
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