Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi has thanked all Nigerians who supported his campaign during the 2023 elections and voted for his party because of their belief in the quest for a New Nigeria, Obi said the outcome of the 2023 presidential elections was contested and remained so, on record, adding that, “the Courts of law have spoken; so be it”.
In his New Year Message to Nigerians on Monday, said Obi said that Nigerians have no other country other than Nigeria adding that the country is deeply endowed but lacking good leadership over the years.
He said a new Nigeria that is possible for all will continually be sought after.
The former Anambra state governor stated that the Labour Party will continue to adjust to a new role as Nigeria’s main opposition party.
While expressing his heartfelt and warmest greetings to all Nigerians, Obi prayed God to bless the citizens richly and grant every Nigerian their good hearts’ desires in the new year and beyond.
The former Presidential candidate said that events of past year are now part of national history stressing that as the country trudge on and remain mindful of the State of the Nation, best hopes and aspirations of Nigerians remain largely unfulfilled.
Calling on the nation to embrace peace the Labour Party Leader lamented on the rising level of bloodletting deeply experience in the country.
He decried that a situation where hundreds of Nigerians are violently killed in December alone is deeply sad and unacceptable.
Obi charged the Tinubu led Federal Government to do whatever is required to bring the perpetrators to justice and permanently stop a reoccurrence in any part of Nigeria.
He stated that the nation’s economy needed a turnaround considering the rising unemployment, inflation, poverty, inequality and other key socio-economic variables.
“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 litany of our social problems.
“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”. He added.
According to him, 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.
He further maintained that the National Assembly should devote time and commit itself to diligent performance of their functions like the 2024 budget that required their prudent examination and subsequent patriotic oriented approval or rejection.
Mr Peter Obi said that the nation must work assiduously to avoid drifting to a one-party state, or a situation, where the Federal Government intervened unduly in the internal affairs of the states, particularly in circumstances where national security is not threatened.
“We in 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”. He noted.
He revealed that ongoing discussions and efforts for the Labour Party to adjust to a new role as Nigeria’s main opposition party would continue.
