By Citizenship Newspaper
The Labour Party (LP) candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, on Tuesday decried the standard of living in the country which he said has turned Nigerians into refugees in their own country, even when the country is not at war with any other nation.
Obi made the remarks in Abuja while speaking at the presentation of the book written in his honour and titled, “Obi, the Political Change Agent”.
He said that Nigerians must rise and change the current political system, which he said has introduced the current structure that does not care about the people.
Highlighting the sufferings being faced by Nigerians, the former Anambra State governor listed issues working against the growth of the country to include: insecurity, poverty, theft and lack of accountability by public officials, among others.
The presidential hopeful also called for collective efforts to dismantle the proceeds of corruption, insisting that; “any country where those in government are richer than business people is an unproductive country. A very simple definition of production is value.”
According to him, the current system is totally unproductive, insisting that the country has raised those he described as “Nigerian masters” who have destroyed rail lines and other infrastructures built with public funds.
Obi further stated that to rebuild the country that will work for everyone, Nigerians must be ready to make sacrifices; even as he disclosed that the ‘Obidient movement’ would look for genuine people who are willing to fix the country at all levels.
In a related development, the 2023 Labour Party candidate while calling for transparency in the 2027 elections cautioned against attempts to truncate the process under any guise.
He said, “we will make the election count. And those who don’t want it to count, we’ll count them.”
In her remarks, the acting National Chairman of the Labour Party, Sen. Nenadi Usman said the presentation of the book which chronicles the political journey of Obi is a timely literary work which beyond the exploits of the former governor of Anambra state should also awaken the nation’s democratic consciousness.
Sen. Usman urged Nigerians to seize the opportunity presented by the emergence of Obi to rally behind him in his quest to bequeath the country a transparent and effective leadership which will work for everyone.
“In every generation, there arises a voice that does not merely echo the frustrations of the people but dares to chart a new path for them. Mr. Peter Obi, whose life and political saga we unveil today, has become such a voice. This book, meticulously authored and boldly titled tells a story far beyond politics. It is the story of accountability against impunity, simplicity against flamboyance, principle against expediency and prudence against financial recklessness.
“The 250-page book we celebrate today does not only examine Peter Obi’s public service but invites us to consider the bigger picture, the inevitability of a New Nigeria. Through 26 illuminating chapters, we are taken on a journey of disruption, reform, resistance, and rebirth. From the echoes of 1999’s democratic rebirth to the turbulence of the 2023 general elections, the book explores not just the man but, the Obidient Movement which has become an emblem of youth political awakening and civic courage.
“As we listen today to scholars, political leaders, and reviewers, may we draw inspiration, not just from the man Peter Obi, but from the movement he catalyzed. A movement that says, in one voice: Nigeria must and shall rise again, not by miracles, but by meticulous leadership, courageous citizens, and uncompromising values”.
In his speech, the Interim National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr. Yunusa Tanko said the event was historic because it was not only a book presentation but also consolidation of political philosophy and a social principle built on Accountability and the trust of the people.
Tanko said the Obidients movement has grown from a quest in changing the old order of the negative Nigerian landscape to one of the biggest social-ideological movement in Africa and the world.
“Our beloved nation, Nigeria, stands at a crossroads. The old ways have failed us, and the status quo is no longer tenable yet, amidst the challenges, we find opportunities for growth, innovation, and progress. The Obidient Movement, led by our champion of change, Mr Peter Obi, embodies this spirit of transformation.
“The Obidient Movement is more than just a political phenomenon; it represents a shift in the narrative, a call to action, and a demand for a better future. It is a testament to the power of collective action, the resilience of the human spirit, and the unwavering desire for a brighter tomorrow.”
Speaking further, Tanko said: “The inevitability of a new Nigeria is not just a dream; it is a necessity. We owe it to ourselves, our children, and future generations to ensure that our nation is a place where everyone can thrive, where everyone can live with dignity, and where everyone can reach their full potentials.
“As we celebrate our principal His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi, it is pertinent we bear this in mind that this auspicious gathering today is far more than just the presentation of a book, however, it is a phenomenal and lifestyle of the man who came and changed the rules of the game.
“I urge you all to join the conversation, to engage with the ideas, and to become part of the movement. Together, we can shape the future we desire. Together, we can build a new Nigeria”.
