The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, called for a celebration of the sacrifices and struggles of Nigeria’s founding fathers on the occasion of the country’s independence day celebration.
The former Anambra governor, in his Independence Day speech, called on Nigerians to celebrate the day and give thanks to the Almighty for delivering the nation from colonial rule.
Obi hinted at the global projections and potentials of Nigeria at the time of independence and how Nigeria has failed to live up to its expectations.
” On 1 October 1960, Nigeria gained independence to global acclaim as an emerging African economic and political power. Such was our potential that Time Magazine predicted the rise of a true African superpower that would lead the continent with pride. Unfortunately, tragic failures of leadership derailed this vision.” Obi stated
He highlighted the nation’s economic journey through the years and how the country’s debt has ballooned over the years.
” By the end of 2007, our total debt was about N2.5 trillion, only 10 percent of GDP, after President Obasanjo’s government secured debt forgiveness of over 30 billion dollars.
” Today, the picture is bleak. Our total debt stands at about N175 trillion, nearly 50 percent of GDP, without any improvement in productive sectors.” Obi said.
Speaking further, Obi highlighted the burden of tax on Nigerian citizens, which has been on the increase under the Tinubu administration. He pointed out the mismatch in the spending of the federal government on luxury yachts and cars while the citizens continue to feel the brunt of a bad economy.
Peter Obi remains in a fix over the platform he would run under in 2027, the Labour Party, his previous platform, is plagued with internal struggles, and the African Democratic Congress has been fronted by Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, his former PDP running mate.
Obi is yet to confirm the party under which he will be running, roughly two years to the presidential elections.
