Reflecting on the disillusionment with traditional political practices, Peter Obi, the Labour Party‘s Presidential Candidate in the February 25th, 2023 election, underscores the determination of Nigerian youths to wrest control of their country from those who exploit leadership positions for personal gain.
These sentiments were expressed by Obi during an event titled “Redefining Our Options and Consolidating our Legacies,” which was orchestrated by committed support groups and took place in Abuja on a Sunday.
The event was strategically planned to coincide with the first anniversary of the February 25th, 2023 Presidential Elections.
Obi, in this speech titled, ‘Tribute to Hope’ said, among other things, “The nation has heard us. The youth have carried the mantle of changing their destiny and the direction of our country. They cannot wait to take back their country from those who regard national leadership as a criminal racket.”
He lauded the steadfast faith and solidarity exhibited by all Nigerians who threw their support behind the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign and the Labour Party during both the campaign period and the elections.
Obi said, “I also salute the patriotism and freedom of choice of those who may not have supported or voted for us.
“I salute your courage and tenacity. Together, we made the courageous statement that a new, more prosperous, more united Nigeria is not only possible but also within reach of all Nigerians.
“You braved the odds, you defied the pessimism of nay-sayers, you made incredible sacrifices and clung to the stubborn belief that this land is our country and that its future is ours to shape for our common good and the good of posterity, the LP standard bearer said.
“Looking back at what happened at the election and the situation in the country today, we were correct in saying that the old ways of politics should give way to a new progressive Nigeria.
“In the twelve months since that election, most of the fears we expressed for our nation if we went the way of the old politics have come to haunt us in frightening forms.
“We may have lost an election but we have won a moral victory of epic proportions. All the worst fears that we warned might happen have all been playing out.
“Our national economy has been driven into perhaps the worst state in all of our national life. The population of those classified as multi-dimensionally poor has climbed astronomically to over 80% of our population.
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“Similarly, unemployment is galloping, for a predominantly youthful population, this scenario is dire and frighteningly dangerous.
“The hunger protests have united our people across ethnicity, language, region, faith, and location. This is another confirmation of our belief that Nigerians are united by the circumstances of their living conditions, not by artificial barriers raised by opportunistic politicians. We are now one people under hunger.”
The LP standard bearer went on to say, “Just yesterday, I read with sadness, the reports of how a massive crowd besieged the Zonal Office of the Nigerian Customs in Yaba to purchase the discounted 25kg rice offered by the Customs Service.
“In the course of the heavy stampede that ensued, some lives were lost. It is heartbreaking to think that despite all the wealth of our nation, Nigerians are losing their lives in their desperate quest to buy food cheaper, in the face of the growing hunger and starvation in the country.”
The former Anambra state Governor however noted the patriotism of Nigerians even in the face of daunting challenges.
He said, “Wherever I have gone all over Nigeria, North, and South, I have been struck by the reality of poverty, deprivation, and suffering sometimes written boldly on the faces of people. Yet the beauty of our people remains the optimism in their Nigerian identity and the hope they all cherish in the future of our country.
“None of the poor people that I have encountered has ever wished they were not Nigerians. On the contrary, the consensus among them is that Nigeria is a good place ruled mostly by bad leaders.”
Obi also took the chance to deliver a message of hope to all Nigerians, especially his supporters.
According to him, “Despite our current problems and setbacks as a nation, I am glad to reassure our supporters and compatriots that there is nothing in our dark experiences that has dampened my resolve and optimism in the possibility of the New Nigeria that we all strove so hard a year ago to enthrone.
“And nothing has happened to discourage my resolve or optimism about the goals we fought for. A greater, more compassionate, more prosperous, and more equitable New Nigeria is possible.”
The LP flag bearer equally honored the bravery of the “Obidient” and provided them with reassurance, affirming that there is no turning back in the mission to save Nigeria.
He declared that for him, the journey to a better Nigeria had just begun and emphasized that it was a lifelong journey. He stated that on that journey, despair was not an option, surrender was not a choice, and failure was not even a remote possibility.