The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi has declared readiness to sacrifice his life in service for better Nigeria.
The former Anambra state Governor vowed that he would rather pay the supreme prize in his commitment to see a progressive nation, than succumbing to threat from opposition.
Addressing journalists on the reaction triggered by his New Year message, Obi said he has contended with personal attacks, and sabotage since his foray into politics. But he insisted he would remains resolute calling for the genuine reforms that would better the lots of ordinary Nigerians.
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According to him, “It is extremely difficult to be in opposition in this country.
Everything is against you. People don’t want to see you or associate with you because they fear government backlash. My businesses and personal life have been attacked, but I’ve made up my mind. If this is the end, so be it.”
Obi described Nigeria’s political environment as hostile to those who challenge the status quo, with efforts to silence dissent at all levels. He lamented that the country’s future depneds on courageous leadership willing to make personal sacrifices for the common good.
“None of us is going to live forever. So we must build a better society for our children. And to build this, some of us will take the risk. That is part of what Dele and others are going through. Not just him, but everyone – even at the local and state levels.”
The business man turned politician called for urgent action to tackle inflation, food insecurity, and the country’s failing education and healthcare systems, stressed that governance must focus on the tangible needs of the people, not just political power games.
Obi also pointed to the deepening poverty and unemployment, noting his visit to an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp where he witnessed the heartbreaking sight of children eager to attend school but unable to do so due to their circumstances. “People are dying because they can’t afford basic necessities,” Obi stated with a heavy heart. “I saw 1,500 kids yesterday who are not in school. What are we doing about it?”
Criticizing the government’s tax policies, Obi argued that it is illogical to tax an impoverished populace and struggling industries. “You cannot tax people living in extreme poverty or factories that have shut down,” Obi said, stressing that a productive economy is the foundation for generating revenue. “When people are gainfully employed, then you can talk about generating revenue. What we need now is to reflate the country and make it productive,” he added.
