By Ignatius Igwe

As Nigeria clocks 64 years as a nation, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, says Africa’s largest nation needs urgent rescue from “further decay.”

Obi stated this on Tuesday in a statement on his X handle where he highlighted the nation’s challenges across economic, social and security sectors.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

The former Anambra governor expressed worry over what he describes as Nigeria’s underperformance in key areas of development, wondering whether the nation has truly improved the lives of its people.

He also cited critical issues plaguing the country, including widespread poverty, a broken education system, and an overwhelming debt burden.

The former presidential candidate urged all Nigerians to recommit to building a nation free from tribal disunity, religious disharmony, and corruption.

Obi said, “Our nation continues its dangerous dance on the edge of a precipice. We must create a nation free from tribal disunity and religious disharmony.

“We must build a New and Productive Nigeria that prioritizes the well-being of its citizens. That is the independence we should celebrate as a nation whose greatness remains Possible.”