- * Say Nigerians Should Avoid Incidents That lead To IDP Camps.
By Kingsley Eghagha (Politics Reporter, in Abuja)
The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has said that Nigeria politics must not be left in the hands of transactional politicians, saying that the business of Nigeria is far too important to be left to those involved in transactional politics.
The standard bearer of the Labour Party also warned in his 2024 New Year message to Nigerians that it is dangerous to tilt Nigeria to a one-party state and wants this resisted.
“I am involved in the struggle for a New Nigeria that is Possible and works for all and will remain passionately committed to the crusade. I therefore implore you all who strive for a New Nigeria to remain fully engaged, committed, and resilient as it is and will be Possible.
“My Fellow Compatriots, As we thank God and enter a new year, 2024, I send my heartfelt and warmest greetings to all Nigerians: from my family and I, to you and yours. May the Almighty God bless you all richly and grant your good heart desires in the new year and beyond.
“The events of the past year are now part of our national history. As we trudge on, we remain mindful of the State of our Nation, and that our best hopes and aspirations remain largely unfulfilled.
Obi noted that “Peace and security continue to elude us with the rising level of bloodletting deeply troubling and sometimes beyond a war situation. A situation where hundreds of Nigerians are violently killed in December alone is deeply sad and unacceptable. While we pray for the repose of the souls departed, we demand that the Federal Government must do whatever is required to bring the perpetrators to justice and permanently stop a re-occurrence in any part of Nigeria.
According to Obi in addition to the lamentable security situation, our economy remains confusing and depressing with unemployment, inflation, poverty, inequality, and other key socio-economic variables all negative and worsening. As Nigeria is the only country we have, deeply endowed but lacking in good leadership, we will continue to seek a new Nigeria that we know is possible.
“Nigerians are now very aware and convinced that good governance, inclusive development, and accountable leadership expected in a functional democracy, continue to elude us but we must be consistent and resolute in our demand for rule of law, regulatory quality, and government effectiveness for transformative solutions to a litany of our social problems.
Obi reviewed the political situation in the country in the outgoing year and remarked that “If there is one fundamental threat to our democracy, it is the undermining and weakening of our national institutions and the capture of state affairs and resources by few individuals and private interests. This must stop for Nigeria to move forward and function as an inclusive and sustainable society and nation.
“In a democratic and secular country like ours, there must be full respect for the separation of powers between the three independent arms of government, as well as between the federating units. For instance, the National Assembly should devote time and commit themselves to diligent performance of their functions like the 2024 budget that requires their prudent examination and subsequent patriotic-oriented approval or rejection.
“We must work assiduously to avoid drifting to a one-party state, or a situation, where the Federal government intervenes unduly in the internal affairs of the states, particularly in circumstances where national security is not threatened. We in the Labour Party have undertaken in the national interest and in our undying commitment to a New Nigeria that is Possible, to remain firmly in opposition and as such, must remain focused going forward. Our collective role in nation-building remains fundamental and obligatory.
The LP flag bearer used the opportunity of the New Year message to thank Nigerians for their support “Again, let me use this opportunity to thank all Nigerians who supported our campaign during the 2023 elections and voted for us because they believed in the quest for a New Nigeria. The outcome of the 2023 presidential elections was contested and remains so, on record. But the Courts of law have spoken; so be it.
“I also wish to thank members of the Labour Party, the Obedient Family, friends, and well-wishers of Nigeria for their loyalty, resilience, tenacity, and commitment to true democracy. We will continue ongoing discussions and efforts for the Labour Party to adjust to our new role as Nigeria’s main opposition party. We will continue to constructively engage all Nigerians and our friends, who have now realized the vast implications of the road not taken; and the folly of national interest decisions predicated on sentiments and primordial interests.
Finally, he noted that “Nigeria is our God-given country. The business of Nigeria is far too important to be left to those involved in transactional politics. I am involved in the struggle for a New Nigeria that is Possible and works for all and will remain passionately committed to the crusade. I therefore implore you all who strive for a New Nigeria to remain fully engaged, committed, and resilient as it is and will be possible. God bless you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Happy and Prosperous 2024 - Peter Obi
Meanwhile, Peter Obi who made a whistle-stop at three strategic spots in the North at the weekend, however bemoaned situations that send Nigerians to Internally Displaced, IDP Camps.
The Presidential Candidate paid a condolence visit to the home of the former Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon Ghali Na'abba who died during the week and also celebrated with the former Minister of Interior and former Chief of Army Staff Abdulrahman Dambazau whose daughter also wedded in Kano at the weekend.
Obi was accompanied on the two trips by his running mate Dr Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmad and some officials of the Labour Party and Obidient Movement in the state.
On his X handle, Obi said, "I visited Kano State with my brother, Dr Datti Baba-Ahmed, where we joined other respected Nigerians to attend the wedding of General Abdulrahman Dambazau's daughter. General Dambazau, a Former Federal Minister of Interiors, had also served our dear nation as a two-time Chief of Army Staff.
I pray God Almighty to protect and bless the newly wedded couple, grant abundant health and happiness, and bless their union with love, joy, understanding, and peace.
"I was also in Kano State today with my brother, Dr Datti Baba-Ahmed to condole with the family of Late Ghali Na'Abba, who passed on recently.
"Before his death, Na'Abba served our dear nation as the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones in this difficult time
"May God Almighty forgive his sins and grant him eternal rest and grant his family, the good people of Kano State, and all of us who mourn him, the fortitude to bear his loss. According to Obi, after the Kano event he went to the embattled Plateau town attacked on Christmas Day and has this to say.
"Today, after my two major events in Kano State, I paid a solidarity visit to two Internally Displaced People's camps (IDPs) in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas in Plateau State.
"The camp came as a result of the unfortunate tragic attacks in the area which have claimed over 100 lives and left over 300 people injured.
"I sympathized with the government and people of Plateau State, especially the many families who lost their loved ones to this dastardly act, and indeed with every Nigerian feeling the pain of insecurity. My heart goes out to the affected families. These are very challenging times in our nation, but we refuse to bow to the challenges.
"May Almighty God forgive the sins of those who died grant them eternal rest, and grant their families the fortitude to bear their irreplaceable losses. And for the wounded receiving treatment in the hospital, may God grant them a speedy recovery.
"I thank the government of Plateau State for their kind and caring intervention for the affected victims, and the security agencies for their efforts in restoring order in the area and for the great work they are doing in securing Nigeria, especially at this challenging time.
"I made a token donation of N10 million and N5 million to each of the two IDPs in both Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi LG Areas.
"I am very concerned about the growing numbers of people seeking refuge in different IDP camps across the country. I have always said that once any Nigerian is internally displaced, every Nigerian is internally displaced.
"I urge governments at all levels, charitable organizations, and well-meaning Nigerians to help our fellow compatriots who are today displaced, in different parts of the country, due to insecurity. We will continue to be our brother's keeper and united in purpose, we will reclaim our nation from the hands of criminals and set it on the path of growth, peace, and progress. NNL.
