ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi, has described Nigeria as a failed State, and promised to unlock its greatness if elected in 2023.
The presidential hopeful stated this during an interactive session organized by the Arewa Joint Committee, including, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF), Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation (SABMF), Jamiyyar Matan Arewa (JMA) Arewa House (Center for Historical Development and Research) and Arewa Research Development Project (ARDP).
According to the former Governor of Anambra State, when a country is no longer in control of the economy and security, such a country is nothing but a failed state.
He explained that Nigeria is not deprived of ideas but institutional weakness and lack of political will to effect genuine change that will better the lives of average Nigerians.
Obi said that he is committed to unlocking the greatness of the country and lifting her from a consuming country to a producing country.
He also reiterated that insecurity will be a thing of the past, saying that he plans to achieve it through the creation of employment opportunities for youths who are tools used to perpetrate social vices.
Obi explained that once jobs are created and the youths are gainfully engaged and made productive, insecurity would have been reduced to the barest minimum and will no longer be a lucrative business for criminal elements.
The presidential hopeful added that the security agencies would be adequately equipped to handle all forms of insecurity in the country.
He said: “We want to bring a transformative government. The greatest asset of Nigeria is in the North, the greatest asset of Nigeria is vast uncultivated land in the North but these lands have been taken by bandits. We are going to unlock Nigeria.
“We will bring Nigeria back to life. All banks will be shareholders in Bank Of Agriculture where our farmers can directly assess loans.”
Obi also promised to eradicate poverty in Nigeria, stressing that when you pull people out of poverty, the rate of crime in the country will reduce.
“I want to give Nigerians hope. I and my running mate will be in charge, they will not find us wanting, we have the physical strength, I will dialogue with every agitator because it will make us a better and united Nigeria,” he added.
He promised to invest more in women, maintaining that women are very industrious, dedicated and committed when given responsibility.
Obi urged Nigerians to vote for a character they can trust.