As Nigeria marked its 64th Independence anniversary, Labour Party’s former presidential candidate Peter Obi and FCT Senator Ireti Kingibe have expressed concern over the nation’s declining state, despite its abundant human and natural resources. Both leaders called for a unified effort to combat bad governance and reverse Nigeria’s stagnation.
In their separate statements on Tuesday, Obi and Kingibe emphasized that poor leadership has crippled Nigeria’s potential, resulting in widespread insecurity, poverty, unemployment, and a fractured society.
Reflecting on the milestone, Obi noted that anniversaries should be moments of reflection, celebration, and hope for the future. However, he urged Nigerians, especially the nation’s leaders, to treat this year’s anniversary as a day of sober reflection.
“Sixty-four years after Nigeria gained independence, it is time for us to reflect on whether we have truly uplifted our people or worsened their plight,” Obi remarked. He questioned the country’s progress, pointing to rising poverty, an alarming number of out-of-school children, and a deepening national debt.
The former governor of Anambra State highlighted Nigeria’s poor global standing in areas like security, corruption, and adherence to the rule of law. “We continue to teeter on the edge of a precipice,” Obi warned, comparing Nigeria’s decline with the progress made by other nations that gained independence around the same time.
Obi called for a collective commitment to rescue the country from further decay, advocating for unity across ethnic and religious lines. “We must build a New and Productive Nigeria that prioritizes the well-being of its citizens,” he stated, adding that true independence means breaking free from bad governance.
Similarly, Senator Ireti Kingibe used the anniversary to reflect on the nation’s long, turbulent journey towards development. She lamented that despite Nigeria’s vast resources, the country remains held back by insecurity, poverty, and corruption.
Kingibe noted that while Nigeria’s founding leaders faced significant challenges, they led with vision and dedication to building a united and prosperous nation. “We must draw strength from their legacy as we chart a path forward,” she said.
Expressing hope for Nigeria’s future, Kingibe acknowledged the resilience of its people and the progress made in various sectors. However, she stressed the need for sincere and focused leadership to steer the country in the right direction.
She called on Nigerians to recommit to nation-building by prioritizing unity, justice, and sustainable development. “With God’s grace and our collective efforts, we can transform Nigeria into the nation we all dream of,” Kingibe concluded.
Both leaders urged the nation’s leadership to draw inspiration from the vision of Nigeria’s founders and work toward a brighter future, grounded in unity and progress for all citizens.
