The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has called on Nigerians to pursue a genuinely independent nation, liberated from state capture. He emphasized the need to end the overwhelming hardship and suffering that many face across the country.

In a series of tweets on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, Obi urged citizens to reflect deeply on the nation’s journey since gaining independence. “On this day, we must make a sober commitment to build a nation truly independent from the present state capture that has held it down in failure and has kept the people suffering,” he stated.

Obi highlighted that anniversary celebrations present opportunities for reflection, gratitude, and a look toward the future. “This is exactly what we are doing today as our dear nation marks its independence anniversary—64 years since Nigeria took charge of its destiny and began its journey towards development as an independent nation,” he added.

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He expressed appreciation for the nation’s abundant resources but noted that this day should prompt serious introspection, particularly among leaders whose choices have contributed to the current state of regression. “An unexamined life, they say, is not worth living. We must, therefore, examine our lives in light of our journey as a nation over the past six decades,” he remarked.

Obi posed critical questions to reflect on Nigeria’s progress: “Have we lifted our people out of poverty, or have we plunged more into it? Have we made education accessible to every Nigerian child, or have we created an army of over 18 million out-of-school children roaming the streets? Have we built a productive economy, or have we saddled ourselves with the worst debt profile in our nation’s history?”

He lamented the nation’s poor performance across various development indicators, noting Nigeria’s low rankings in safety and peacefulness, along with its reputation as one of the most terrorized countries globally.

Obi pointed out that Nigeria is also ranked among the most corrupt nations and notorious for flouting the rule of law. “Our nation continues to dance dangerously on the edge of a precipice,” he warned.

In comparing Nigeria to other countries that gained independence around the same time, Obi underscored the urgent need for a collective effort to rescue the nation from further decay. He concluded by reiterating the call for unity: “We must build a nation free from tribal disunity and religious disharmony. We must build a new and productive Nigeria that cares for the well-being of the people. That is the independence we will celebrate as a nation, and it is possible.”