In a New Year message to Nigerians, Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, has called for selfless and exemplary leadership to tackle Nigeria’s growing challenges.
Obi expressed concern over the country’s worsening economic, security, and social conditions, urging decisive action from the leadership to reverse the trend.
“Our nation and its fortunes are in clear reverse,” Obi lamented, citing deteriorating poverty levels, food insecurity, and declining national indices.
He highlighted alarming statistics to emphasize the gravity of Nigeria’s plight. Noting that over 100 million Nigerians live in extreme poverty, with more than 150 million in multidimensional poverty.
“Our GDP has dropped to less than 50% of what it was a decade ago, and food insecurity has become our national norm,” he stated.
He also pointed out that Nigeria ranks 110th out of 127 countries on the Global Hunger Index and remains one of the most insecure and least peaceful nations, with many citizens displaced and living in IDP camps.
Addressing the country’s fiscal challenges, Obi decried Nigeria’s ballooning national debt, which has risen from N15 trillion in 2015 to N100 trillion today.
He criticize Tinubu government for borrowing practices, arguing that loans must be tied to regenerative investments.
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“The sharp increase in debt, with no tangible developmental assets to show for it, places undue strain on future revenue and development,” he said.
He also called for a drastic reduction in the cost of governance and stronger efforts to combat corruption.
He appealed to Bola Tinubu, Obi recommended more direct engagement with the people, including visiting all 36 states, observing road and hospital conditions, and interacting with security forces and internally displaced persons.
He suggested that the Tinubu should spend holidays in different parts of Nigeria to foster inclusivity and better understand regional challenges.
“Nigerians need to hear directly from you,” Obi advised, urging quarterly updates on the government’s efforts to address the nation’s issues.
Obi further emphasized the need for credible elections to restore Nigerians’ trust in democracy. “The single most challenging test you face is ensuring that future elections are credible and truly reflect the will of the people,” he said.
He reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s progress, urging the leadership to take bold and urgent steps in addressing the nation’s challenges.
“We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. This is no time for apathy or complacency,” Obi stressed.
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