Labour Party’s (LP) 2023 presidential flag bearer, Peter Obi, marked International Human Solidarity Day by urging Nigerians to prioritize unity amidst growing national divisions and revealing that the problems of hunger, poverty, and inequality are not specific to a particular ethnicity or religion.
In a statement posted through his official X handle, Obi emphasised the need to break down ethnic and religious barriers hindering progress on the national front. He called for leveraging Nigeria’s diverse cultural and ethnic identities to propel the country forward.
Expressing concern over the heightened polarization, Obi attributed the divisions to tribal and religious sentiments, fueled by what he termed as “bad politics and elite insensitivity.”
Obi stated, “Unfortunately, we have, today as a nation, become more sharply divided than ever. Our dear nation is more polarised today than it has ever been, fueled by overwhelming tribal and religious sentiments among the people resulting in the unwillingness of Nigerians to cooperate and work together towards achieving national growth and development. This is clearly the result of bad politics and elite insensitivity.”
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Stressing on the urgency of addressing these issues, he revealed that, the Africa Polling Institute’s report revealed a decline in Nigeria’s Social Cohesion Index from 44.2% in 2021 to 39.6% in 2022.
Highlighting the universal nature of challenges such as hunger, poverty, and inequality, Obi urged political leaders and citizens alike to unite for social justice and equality. He emphasized the necessity of forming a united front to tackle the nation’s pressing issues.
“I, therefore, wish to use this occasion to remind Nigerians that the problems of hunger, poverty, and inequality are not specific to a particular ethnicity or religion, but cut across the nation. Thus, the task ahead of us, as political leaders and as citizens, is to continue to beat the drums of unity, social justice, and social equality to form one united front that will stand in solidarity against the many challenges that confront our nation,” he emphasised.
The LP presidential candidate proposed a path forward through sincerity, unity of purpose, and mutual trust and cooperation. He envisioned a Nigeria where leaders are chosen based on merit rather than ethnic or religious affiliations, with a strong call for accountability from the government.
Obi expressed hope for a “New and United Nigeria,” outlining a vision where the nation collectively strives for a better future, free from divisive sentiments and focused on national development.