Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has issued a powerful statement addressing a disturbing trend in Nigeria, where voices of reason and truth are met with threats rather than open dialogue.
He highlighted the recent ordeal of Ushie Rita Uguamaye, a National Youth Service Corps member known as Raye, who reportedly faced intimidation from NYSC officials after voicing concerns about the current administration.
Obi emphasized that this incident is not an isolated case. “I, too, have endured threats for offering constructive suggestions and comments,” he revealed, noting that he now faces daily harassment, intimidation, and name-calling for presenting solution-oriented perspectives on government policies.
Such actions, Obi warned, undermine the very essence of democracy. “A government that silences its citizens is neither democratic nor accountable. It reflects a lack of good governance and often signals corruption,” he stated. He called on the current administration to reconsider its stance on dissent, urging leaders to embrace constructive criticism as a vital driver of democratic progress.
In a rallying cry to Nigerians, Obi encouraged citizens to stand united against misgovernance, injustice, and intimidation. “Our nation’s future hinges on our collective courage to speak out,” he said. “Do not let fear silence you. Support one another and keep pushing for the Nigeria we envision—where freedom of speech is sacred, and leaders are held accountable, especially in critical areas like education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.”
Obi envisioned a “just and prosperous Nigeria” where individuals like Raye are empowered to highlight challenges without fear, and where the government responds with urgency to address them. He concluded with an optimistic note: “A New Nigeria is POssible!”
