The Labour Party (LP) candidate during the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi on Monday said the foundational pillars of democracy are undermined by prevalent impunity and pervasive violence and bloodletting.
Obi stated this in his official speech to Nigerians on Nigeria’s Democracy Day which is marked in the country on June 12 of every year.
“Regrettably, I feel that we are now in an era where these foundational pillars of democracy are undermined by prevalent impunity and pervasive violence and bloodletting.”
Personally, I remain committed and convinced that a New Nigeria is Possible. Our aspiration for a nation of equity, justice, security and peace can hardly be utopia. We are a nation blessed richly with human and natural resource,” he tweeted.
He stressed that what Nigeria lacks are selfless leaders who are committed to national interest, sustainable development and innovative thinking that offers every Nigerian irrespective of ethnicity, religion or social strata, the freedom of choice of abode, and protection lives, property and ordered liberties.
“These aspirations are real and achievable and I hereby reiterate my promise to Nigerians that we will not relent in our fight to bring about a leadership that will accord them the priority they deserve.
“Let me, therefore, on behalf of Labour Party (LP) and the Obidient Movement across the globe wish all Nigerians a happy democracy day,” he wrote.”
Above all, the government must respect and protect the institutions of the democratic state by respecting the social contract with the people by meeting their needs, obeying their wishes and fulfilling the responsibilities of responsible governance as contained in the constitution.”
According to Obi, the cardinal responsibility of the government in this regard is respect for the rule of law.
He further stated that it is such a sad thing to note that the trust deficit between the leaders and Nigerians continues to expand.
“The deficits of trust and efficiency in our last elections demonstrate this malady quite boldly. The challenge of June 12 and a dedicated Democracy Day is to inspire us to correct the errors of our recent elections.” he stated.
Obi believes that his is the surest way to restore the confidence of Nigerians in the future of the nation and the promise of true democracy.
He urged the people of Nigeria not to lose faith in the inbuilt design of our democratic system to self-correct.