June 12: Nigeria’s democracy in deep trouble, destiny uncertain – Peter Obi

Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) candidate for president in the general election scheduled for February 25, stated that the “nation’s democracy is deeply troubled, while its destiny remains uncertain and precarious.”

Obi expressed concern that the nation is now living at a time when fundamental elements of democracy are undercut by widespread impunity, unrelenting violence, and bloodshed.

Sunday, Obi expressed his regret that “the country lacks selfless leaders committed to national interest, sustainable development, and innovative thinking that offers every Nigerian freedom of choice of abode, protection of lives and property, and ordered liberties.”

Following the celebration of “June 12 Democracy Day” in Nigeria, he made his statement.

Obi emphasized that June 12 is the cornerstone of Nigerians’ protracted collective path toward nationhood as a true democracy by noting that the world’s governments and people applauded Nigerians’ collective selection of the late Chief M. K. O. Abiola as a deserving leader for the country.

The former governor of Anambra State emphasized that even under military rule, Nigerians freely stated their preference for genuine democracy and a transparent voting process.

He bemoaned the fact that the gap in trust between Nigerians and their leaders has only widened.

“Our collective choice of late Chief M. K. O. Abiola as a worthy leader for the nation was saluted by Nigerians and governments and peoples throughout the world,” he said in part of his statement. So, June 12 serves as the foundation for our long, collaborative road to becoming a nation with a true democracy.

“However, the situation of our politics at the moment paints a different picture. The future of our country is still unsure and vulnerable, which is very troubling for our democracy. We continue to be a country that is looking for answers to too many common issues.

Above all, the government must uphold the social compact with the people by attending to their needs, implementing their requests, and carrying out the obligations of responsible governance set forth in the constitution. This is how the government can respect and safeguard the institutions of the democratic state. Respect for the law is one of the government’s most important duties in this regard.

Unfortunately, we also live in a time when widespread impunity, widespread violence, and bloodshed threaten to undermine these fundamental tenets of democracy. Nigerians’ lack of trust in their leaders is still growing.

“The trust and efficiency gaps in our most recent elections brazenly illustrate this disease. The goal of June 12 and a special Democracy Day is to motivate us to fix the mistakes of our recent election.

This is the surest approach to regain the public’s faith in the potential of our country and the promise of a genuine democracy. I do, however, implore everyone to maintain hope in the democratic system’s inherent ability to self-correct.

“As for me, I still firmly believe that a New Nigeria is possible. Our desire for a country that is equitable, just, secure, and peaceful is far from utopian. Our country has abundant natural and human resources.

What we lack 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 of 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.