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By Madu Obi
THE presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the February 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi has said that Nigeria is too important to be left in the hands of those he described as transactional politicians.
In his New Year message to Nigerians, Obi also warned that it is dangerous to tilt Nigeria to a one-party state, urging Nigerians to resist trend.
He said: “I am involved in the struggle for a New Nigeria that is Possible and works for all and will remain passionately committed to the crusade. I therefore implore you all who strive for a New Nigeria to remain fully engaged, committed, and resilient as it is and will be Possible."
“As we thank God and enter a new year, 2024, I send my heartfelt and warmest greetings to all Nigerians: from my family and I, to you and yours. May the Almighty God bless you all richly and grant your good heart desires in the new year and beyond."
“The events of the past year are now part of our national history. As we trudge on, we remain mindful of the state of our nation."
According to him, the country's best hopes and aspirations have remain largely unfulfilled, adding that peace and security have continued to elude the nation with the rising level of bloodletting deeply troubling and sometimes beyond a war situation.
He said that a situation where hundreds of Nigerians were violently killed in December alone was deeply sad and unacceptable, demanding that the federal government must do whatever is required to bring the perpetrators to justice and permanently stop a re-occurrence in any part of Nigeria.
Obi lamented that in addition to the lamentable security situation, the economy remains confusing and depressing with unemployment, inflation, poverty, inequality, and other key socio-economic variables worsening.
He said further: "As Nigeria is the only country we have, deeply endowed but lacking in good leadership, we will continue to seek a new Nigeria that we know is possible."
“Nigerians are now very aware and convinced that good governance, inclusive development, and accountable leadership expected in a functional democracy, continue to elude us, but we must be consistent and resolute in our demand for rule of law, regulatory quality, and government effectiveness for transformative solutions to a litany of our social problems.
“If there is one fundamental threat to our democracy, it is the undermining and weakening of our national institutions and the capture of state affairs and resources by few individuals and private interests. This must stop for Nigeria to move forward and function as an inclusive and sustainable society and nation."
“In a democratic and secular country like ours, there must be full respect for the separation of powers between the three independent arms of government, as well as between the federating units."
"For instance, the national assembly should devote time and commit themselves to diligent performance of their functions like the 2024 budget that requires their prudent examination and subsequent patriotic-oriented approval or rejection."
“We must work assiduously to avoid drifting to a one-party state, or a situation, where the Federal government intervenes unduly in the internal affairs of the states, particularly in circumstances where national security is not threatened."
"We in the Labour Party have undertaken in the national interest and in our undying commitment to a New Nigeria that is Possible, to remain firmly in opposition and as such, must remain focused going forward. Our collective role in nation-building remains fundamental and obligatory."
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