The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has decried the various challenges bedevilling the country, saying those responsible for the “mess” abandoned Nigerians and decided to live like “kings” and spend dollars to buy delegates and houses across the world.

Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, further expressed displeasure at the ongoing strikes by the university-based unions in the country, reiterating that the nation’s dysfunctional system led to industrial action by the university lecturers.

He said this in his acceptance speech following his emergence as the Labour Party presidential candidate for the 2023 general election.

The Star had reported that Obi emerged as the party’s presidential candidate after his challengers, including Prof. Pat Utomi and Joseph Faduri stepped down for him at the party’s convention and presidential primaries held in Asaba, the Delta State capital on Monday.

Obi, in his acceptance speech, vowed that no region of the country would be ignored if elected as Nigeria’s President in 2023.

He said his governance mission is to secure Nigeria in every ramification: national security, human security, food security and tackle insecurity created by unemployment.

He stressed that with every Nigerian doing what is supposed to be done for the country, the “great odds” are surmountable.

Ob said: “History beckons. Nigerians remain hopeful for a national rebirth, which implies returning Nigeria to Nigerians –   farmers, teachers and students, lecturers, artisans, workers, pensioners and over a hundred million poor Nigerians who are not sure where their next meal will come from.

“Therefore, what you are doing today is a patriotic duty towards seeking the desired political emancipation of our dear country, which stands wounded by many years of cumulative leadership failure.

“Painfully, our current dysfunctional system rewards unearned income and conspicuous consumption; allows university lecturers to remain on strike for months; keep our youths at home; and owe pensioners, who gave their patriotic sweat and their youthful energy to serve this country.

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“The despicable contrast is that those responsible for the mess -those elected to take care of them – have abandoned the national currency and are living in opulence and like kings, spend dollars to buy delegates as well as houses all over the world. Meanwhile, they owe most workers, lecturers and retirees.

“Yes, our country stands hijacked by forces of retrogression. We are almost zero in all indices of development. As a result, our future, especially those of the youth and generations unborn is in ruins. We have become a laughing stock among other nations, including African countries where we were once revered.”

He added: “I hardly use war metaphors for political analysis due to my belief that politics is not adversarial and not war. However permit me a little indulgence here, to relate what we are embarking on to the ancient battle of Thermopylae, where the Greek forces, conscious of fighting for the life of Greece held on against great odds in the defence of their country.

“In the battle to re-take Nigerian, the odds are great and seemingly insurmountable, but with our commitment, patriotism and understanding that we are doing, what we are supposed to do for our country, lest she shall die, we shall move on discontent with what is and focused on enthroning what ought to be. In doing this, our battle cry shall remain: get your PVC and become part of this great libration!

“Our governance mission will be twin-tracked. Secure Nigeria in every ramification: national security, human security, food security and tackling insecurity created by unemployment.

“We will also seek to unite our nation by pulling our people out of poverty, and creating a new sense of nationalism and patriotism. Nigeria shall rise again: and her people will be proud to claim ownership of her patrimony. Doing so is in our collective national interest.

“As I earnestly thank Nigerians for their faith in me. In the days ahead I will publish our governance manifesto, which will spell out our top governance priorities.  I assure you that no region; state, local government or communities will be left behind.

“I also assure you all that the struggle continues and that victory is certainly in sight towards the guarantee of a meaningful future for our youths and making this country a respected and viable member of a 21st century world, that places high value on production over consumption,” Obi stated.

The Star