Nigeria At 64: Obi, Kingibe Bemoan Poverty, Insecurity, Call For Unity Against Bad Governance

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi and the senator representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe have bemoaned the worsening state of the nation at 64 despite the rich human and natural resources and called for a united effort against bad governance.

In their seperate statements on Tuesday to mark Nigeria at 64, both Obi and Kingibe, said Nigeria’s development has been hampered by bad leadership which has given rise to insecurity, poverty, unemployment and a generally broken nation.

Obi in his message said the anniversary celebrations, whether for an individual or a country, offer opportunities to reflect on memories, celebrate accomplishments, look towards the future, and express gratitude.

He said “this is exactly what we are doing today as our dear nation marks its 64th independence anniversary.

“It is now 64 years since Nigeria took charge of its destiny and embarked on the journey toward development as a sovereign nation.

“Today is a day to appreciate God for abundantly blessing us with natural, human, and material resources to build a great nation.”

Unfortunately, he said the day should not be about celebration but “a day of sober reflection for every Nigerian, especially for us, the leaders, whose actions and inactions have contributed to the stagnation and glaring failures we are witnessing at present.”

Obi said “an unexamined life is not worth living. We must, therefore, examine ourselves in the light of our nation’s journey over the past six decades.

“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?

“Have we built a productive economy, or have we created a nation with the worst debt profile in its history?”

The former Anambra State Governor identified that by every measure of development, from the critical areas to the smallest aspects, Nigeria is underperforming as it ranks poorly in security and peacefulness, making it one of the most insecure nations globally.

He said “we are also ranked among the most corrupt countries, and we are noted for our disregard for the rule of law.

“Our nation continues its dangerous dance on the edge of a precipice.”

According to him, “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.

“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.”

He sued for unity to “create a nation free from tribal disunity and religious disharmony.

“We must build a New and Productive Nigeria that prioritises the well-being of its citizens.

“That is the independence we should celebrate as a nation whose greatness remains POssible.”

On her part, the FCT senator said it’s a day to reflect on the nation’s long journey toward development and sovereignty.

She pointed out that despite the abundant natural, human, and material resources with which the country has been blessed, its progress has often been stifled by a range of challenges that continue to hold it back.

She said the reality is that “many of our people still struggle with poverty, insecurity, and lack of access to basic necessities, while corruption and poor governance have weakened our institutions.

“Yet, in the spirit of optimism, we must remember that Nigeria’s founding leaders faced their own trials and tribulations.

“They led with vision, strength, and a commitment to building a united and prosperous nation. We must draw strength from their legacy as we chart a path forward,” the senator said.

She stated that “I remain hopeful about our future. With significant strides made in various sectors and the unmatched resilience of our people, I believe we have the potential to overcome our present difficulties.

“But this requires leadership that is sincere, focused, and determined to steer Nigeria in the right direction,” she said.

She called for recommitment “to the task of nation-building. We must prioritise unity, equity, and justice, while striving for sustainable development in all sectors.

“I urge our leadership, in particular, to walk the path of progress, drawing inspiration from the vision of our founding fathers.

“With God’s grace and our collective efforts, we can transform Nigeria into the nation we all dream of.

“May God guide our leaders, bless our nation, and grant us the wisdom and courage to move Nigeria forward.

“To all residents of the FCT and Nigerians at large, let’s unite in this shared effort to unlock the full potential of our great nation.”

Nigeria At 64: Obi, Kingibe Bemoan Poverty, Insecurity, Call For Unity Against Bad Governance is first published on The Whistler Newspaper