Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has issued a statement through his X handle.
He joins the world, particularly his Nigerian compatriots, in observing the International Day of Living Together in Peace today. This day is dedicated to fostering peace, celebrating diversity, and promoting unity as we strive to build a wealthier nation.
Discussing peace amidst the numerous challenges our nation is currently grappling with is challenging. Our country is deeply divided along ethnic lines. However, we must persist in our advocacy for peace, an essential non-tangible asset for national growth. For a country as diverse as Nigeria, peaceful coexistence is crucial.
Regrettably, a 2022 report by the Africa Polling Institute calculated the Nigeria Social Cohesion Index (NSCI) at 39.6%, indicating a clear lack of unity and cohesion among Nigerians. A 2023 Global Peace Index report ranked Nigeria 144th out of 163 countries worldwide and 37th out of 44 African countries in terms of peace.
The International Centre for Investigative Reporting reveals that at least 2,336 people were killed in various violent attacks in Nigeria in the first quarter of 2024. This equates to an average of 26 people killed daily from January to March 2024. These grim statistics continue to hinder our development opportunities and deter both foreign and local investors as countless innocent lives are lost.
Today, we are faced with two options: we can either remain a nation bound by hunger and insecurity, burdened with national underdevelopment, or we can unite in our efforts to eradicate insecurity, tribal, religious, and political divisions, and propel our nation forward.
We remain dedicated to peace, unity, and progress in the New Nigeria. It is achievable.
