Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s candidate for president in the general election scheduled for February 25, stated that the “nation’s democracy is deeply troubled, while its destiny remains uncertain and precarious.”
It is regrettable, according to Obi, that the nation is currently living in a time in which fundamental elements of democracy are undercut by widespread impunity, unrelenting violence, and bloodshed.
Obi lamented on Sunday that “the country lacks selfless leaders committed to national interest, sustainable development, and innovative thinking that offers every Nigerian freedom of choice of abode, protection of lives and property, and ordered liberties.”
The “June 12 Democracy Day” in Nigeria was recently observed, and his statement came shortly after.
Obi emphasized that June 12 is the cornerstone of Nigerians’ protracted journey toward nationhood as a true democracy by pointing out that Nigerians and governments and peoples around the world applauded the collective selection of late Chief M. K. O. Abiola as a deserving leader for the country.
The former governor of Anambra State observed that, even when the country was ruled by the military, Nigerians freely expressed their preference for genuine democracy and a transparent voting process.
He regretted that, despite efforts, the gap in trust between Nigerians and the country’s leaders has only widened.
He said, “Our collective selection of late Chief M. K. O. Abiola as a worthy leader for the nation was lauded by Nigerians and governments and peoples throughout the world. Thus, June 12 serves as the cornerstone of our long, collective journey toward becoming a country with a true democracy.
The state of our politics, however, at the moment paints a different picture. The future of our country is still hazy and precarious, and our democracy is gravely troubled. In this country, there are still too many fundamental issues that need fixing.
The government must, above all, uphold the social contract it has with the populace by attending to their needs, following their wishes, and carrying out the obligations of responsible governance outlined in the constitution. Respect for the law is one of the government’s fundamental responsibilities in this regard.
We regrettably live in a time when widespread impunity, unrelenting violence, and bloodshed undermine these essential elements of democracy. Nigerians and their leaders continue to have less trust in one another.
“These problems are quite boldly shown by the trust and efficiency deficits in our most recent elections. The goal of June 12 and a day devoted to celebrating democracy is to motivate us to fix the mistakes made in our most recent elections.
The best way to regain the public’s faith in the promise of a genuine democracy and the future of our country is to do this. Nevertheless, I implore everyone to maintain faith in the democratic system’s inherent ability to self-correct.
“As for me, I still believe a New Nigeria is possible and am committed to it. It is unlikely that we will ever achieve our goal of a country that values equity, justice, security, and peace. With abundant natural and human resources, our country is blessed.
“What we lack are selfless leaders who are dedicated to the national interest, sustainable development, and innovative thinking that offers every Nigerian the freedom to choose their place of residence and the protection of lives, property, and ordered liberties, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or social strata.
“These aspirations are valid and attainable, and I hereby reaffirm to Nigerians my pledge that we will not give up in our fight to establish a government that will give them the priority they deserve.”
