The Labour Party presidential candidate in 2023, Mr. Peter Obi, has decried what he described as the federal government’s indifference to the plight of bizarre Nigerians and known as for a brand new nationwide tradition rooted in sacrifice, accountability and productiveness.
Talking on the official presentation of a brand new e-book, Obi: The Political Change Agent, authored by veteran journalist, Ike Abonyi, Obi mentioned Nigeria’s management construction is unresponsive and unproductive, fueling poverty, insecurity, and {economic} stagnation.
“This technique doesn’t look after you. Anybody who says in any other case is just not telling the reality. Now we have hundreds of thousands of youngsters out of faculty. Individuals don’t know the place their subsequent meal will come from. But, these in authorities and enterprise are producing poverty as an alternative of worth,” Obi mentioned.
He criticised the misuse of public funds, blaming corruption and illicit wealth for distorting the financial system and undermining the worth of the naira.
“When individuals are corrupt, they’re promoting cash with out creating worth. They’re manufacturing poverty. If we take stolen cash out of circulation, our forex will regain its true worth,” he acknowledged.
Citing examples from different African nations akin to Angola and Ghana, Obi argued that clear governance and structural reforms have helped drive {economic} progress elsewhere on the continent.
On the difficulty of subsidy elimination, he emphasised the necessity to first tackle systemic corruption.
“Sure, I mentioned I’d take away subsidy—however I’d begin by eradicating the criminality inside it. That’s what drives the price up,” he mentioned.
Obi additionally lamented the collapse of infrastructure that after supported Nigeria’s agricultural and industrial sectors.
“The colonialists constructed railways to assist agriculture and business. We destroyed them. At the moment, no trailers or trains are shifting items — that’s a transparent signal of an unproductive financial system,” he added.
He urged Nigerians to prioritise electing competent and honest leaders, notably legislators, stressing that the failure to make sure high quality illustration should not be repeated.
“We’d like individuals who genuinely need to serve, not these looking for wealth by means of politics. This time, we should vote—and our votes should rely,” he mentioned.
Obi concluded by urging residents to embrace sacrifice and reject shortcuts, noting that nationwide progress calls for constant effort and collective accountability.
“There is no such thing as a shortcut. If we maintain trying to find one, we’ll by no means arrive. Allow us to maintain sacrificing—that’s the one path ahead.”
The occasion drew supporters, civil society leaders, and political observers, lots of whom applauded Obi’s name for a brand new political tradition grounded in service and productiveness.
Nationwide Coordinator of the Obidient Motion, Dr Yunusa Tanko described the e-book as “not only a literary work, however a consolidation of political philosophy constructed on public belief.”
He hailed the expansion of the Obidient Motion from a social media marketing campaign right into a formidable grassroots pressure.
“This gathering is greater than a e-book launch—it’s a name to motion to reshape our democracy, restore dignity, and construct a Nigeria the place everybody can thrive,” Tanko mentioned.
He revealed that the motion now has buildings in 28 states and over 540 native authorities areas, with ongoing outreach to finish nationwide mobilization. Over 200 assist {groups} had been acknowledged for his or her volunteer contributions.
Appearing chairman of the Labour Party and Chair of the event, Senator Nenadi Usman praised the writer and emphasised the deeper symbolism of the e-book.
“This isn’t simply Peter Obi’s story—it’s a mirror to our nationwide conscience, one which places accountability above impunity and prudence over recklessness,” she mentioned.
Spanning 26 chapters and 250 pages, the e-book chronicles Obi’s political journey and the rise of the Obidient Motion, providing in-depth evaluation of electoral reform, ideological resistance, and civic braveness.
In his keynote tackle, Prof. Sam Amadi, supplied a sobering evaluation of Nigeria’s {economic} challenges.
He described worsening poverty, unemployment, and inequality as systemic, warning that with out sincere prognosis and real reform, significant progress would stay elusive.
“Peter Obi represents a disruption to this failed system. He has the pedigree, character, and keenness wanted to steer a democratic and developmental revolution,” Amadi mentioned.
He highlighted grim statistics on poverty and energy technology, contrasting Nigeria’s stagnation with Taiwan’s transformation since 1999.
“We’re not simply poor—we’re getting poorer. The brand new Nigeria is just not a dream; it’s a necessity,” he declared.
Creator Ike Abonyi defined that the e-book was impressed by conversations with worldwide observers looking for to grasp Obi’s impression.
“I’ve an American good friend, Peter Clark, who has lined Nigerian politics for over a decade. When his buddies plan to go to Nigeria, they seek the advice of him. After some discussions with them, the thought for the e-book was born—to tell these overseas who’re deeply invested in Africa getting the fitting management,” Abonyi mentioned.
He clarified that the e-book doesn’t totally seize the story of the Peter-to-President (P2P) motion.
“That story will probably be informed by others extra expert than I’m—when the time is correct. However this e-book captures the nation. When journalists come to Nigeria to grasp what occurred in 2023, this e-book will inform the story,” he concluded.
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