As Nigeria celebrated its 64th Independence anniversary, Peter Obi, the 2023 Presidential Candidate for the Labour Party, delivered a passionate call for a nation free from the grip of state capture. His message to Nigerians was clear: the country needs not just political independence but freedom from the systems that have kept it stagnant and its people in hardship.
Obi made his remarks on Tuesday through a post on social media, marking October 1st, a day that commemorates Nigeria’s break from British colonial rule in 1960.
He acknowledged the significance of the day as an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on their journey, celebrate their achievements, and look forward to a better future.
“Whether it’s a person or a country, anniversaries are a chance to reflect on memories, celebrate accomplishments, and express gratitude for the future,” Obi wrote. “This is exactly what we are doing today as our dear nation marks its 64th independence anniversary.”
While celebrating the anniversary, Obi also emphasized the importance of self-examination. He urged Nigerian leaders and citizens alike to reflect deeply on the nation’s journey over the past six decades and to assess its progress honestly.
“For me, this should be a day of sober reflection for every Nigerian, especially for our leaders whose actions and inactions have contributed to the stagnation and glaring failures we are witnessing at present,” Obi said.
He drew attention to the critical need for honest reflection, borrowing a famous quote: “As the saying goes, an unexamined life is not worth living. We must, therefore, examine ourselves in light of our nation’s journey over the past six decades.”
The former governor of Anambra State asked thought-provoking questions about the country’s progress since independence. “Have we lifted our people out of poverty, or have we driven more into it? Have we made education accessible to every Nigerian child, or have we allowed an army of over 18 million out-of-school children to roam the streets?” Obi asked.
Obi’s concerns also touched on Nigeria’s economic situation, security, and global ranking. He lamented the fact that Nigeria, rich in natural and human resources, has become one of the most indebted countries in the world, with a debt profile worse than at any other point in its history.
“By every measure of development, from the critical areas to the smallest aspects, we are underperforming,” Obi stated bluntly.
Peter Obi didn’t just highlight Nigeria’s challenges; he provided a broader perspective by comparing the nation to others that gained independence around the same time. He noted that many of these nations have made considerable progress while Nigeria lags behind.
“When we compare ourselves to countries that gained independence around the same time—before or after us—Nigeria stands out as a nation in decline, urgently in need of rescue from further decay,” Obi said.
He pointed to various troubling statistics, noting Nigeria’s high corruption levels and the government’s disregard for the rule of law. He painted a picture of a country dancing dangerously on the edge of a precipice, warning that failure to act now could lead to a complete collapse.
Obi’s central message was that Nigeria needs to liberate itself from “state capture.” This term refers to a situation where private individuals or groups use political power to benefit their own interests at the expense of the wider population.
He stressed that the issue of state capture has dragged Nigeria into failure and kept its people in constant suffering. For Obi, true independence goes beyond colonial freedom; it must also include freedom from the selfish interests of a few powerful individuals who dominate the political space.
“On this day, therefore, we must make a solemn commitment to build a nation that is truly independent from the state capture that has dragged it into failure and kept its people in suffering,” Obi said with urgency in his voice.
