Mr Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate for 2023, has advised Nigerians not to despair after 63 years of independence, but to be hopeful that a better Nigeria is still attainable.
Obi, the former governor of Anambra State, issued the charge in his goodwill message to commemorate the 63rd anniversary of Nigeria’s independence on Sunday in Lagos.
He bemoaned the terrible uncertainties and apparent hardships that Nigerians were facing as a result of repeated leadership failure after 63 years of independence, adding that the situation was critical but not hopeless.
In an analogy between a nation’s life and the parameters of modern technology, the presidential standard bearer observed that if the input is garbage in, the result is garbage out.
“When you Google a subject, the response you get will be based on the questions you input. Every nation invariably determines its own fate and destiny and gets the leadership they deserve.
“Nigeria cannot be an exception. If we subscribe to rogue leadership, then we must face the attending consequences.
“At 63 years, what type of questions are Nigerians asking of their leaders and what type of answer are we expecting?
“Present realities notwithstanding, I am hopeful that a new Nigeria is possible but the burden of responsibility is on Nigerians.
Every October 1st since 1960, people have sought to reflect on their lives as a nation, but can they declare that ‘where we are is where we are supposed to be, despite our great human and natural resources?’
The presidential contender wished Nigerians a happy independence day and prayed for God’s mercy and favor on the country.