In a heartfelt plea, Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), urged Nigerians to dismantle the barriers of ethnic and religious divisions that are increasingly fracturing the nation.
The former Governor of Anambra State emphasized the crucial need to highlight national unity, urging citizens to harness the diverse and culturally rich identities to propel the country forward.
Obi conveyed this message in an official statement shared on his social media handle on Wednesday, coinciding with the celebration of International Human Solidarity Day.
Expressing concern over the growing polarization fueled by tribal and religious sentiments, Obi noted the reluctance of Nigerians to collaborate towards achieving collective national growth and development.
“As a nation, we find ourselves more sharply divided than ever, driven by overwhelming tribal and religious sentiments,” remarked Obi. He pointed out that these sentiments have led to a lack of willingness among Nigerians to work together for the betterment of the country.
Celebrating International Human Solidarity Day, Obi stressed the importance of global unity in diversity. He called on Nigerians to break down the walls of division and instead focus on unity, leveraging the nation’s diverse cultural and ethnic strengths.
Highlighting a concerning trend, Obi referenced a report from the Africa Polling Institute, stating that the Nigeria Social Cohesion Index (NSCI) declined from 44.2% in 2021 to 39.6% in 2022. This marked decrease underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts to address the challenges facing the nation.
Obi underscored that issues such as hunger, poverty, and inequality affect all Nigerians irrespective of ethnicity or religion. He attributed the current state of division to “bad politics and elite insensitivity.”
In concluding remarks, Obi called on political leaders and citizens alike to champion unity, social justice, and equality. He emphasized the collective responsibility to forge a united front against the challenges confronting the nation.
“With sincerity, unity of purpose, and mutual trust and cooperation, we will not only elect leaders free from ethnic and religious loyalties but also demand accountability from any government in power,” Obi declared. This, he believes, marks the beginning of the journey toward a new and united Nigeria—the shared dream and overarching purpose for all.
