The former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has wondered what Nigeria should be celebrating “even when at the very ripe age of 57, she is still lagging behind in all indices of development.” He spoke at a programme titled, “One Nigeria: Embracing Our Economy,” organised by the Dr. Tony Rapu’s House Of Freedom Ministry to celebrate the nation’s 57th Independent anniversary.
Obi said that celebration presupposed that there were achievements recorded.
His words: “’Yes, we’re here to celebrate our nation’s 57th Independent Anniversary but I ask, what are we really celebrating? Failure? Nigeria is a failed state,’’
To drive home his point about the failure of the country, Obi comp;ared China and Nigeria, stressing, “Comparing with China that had a Foreign Reserve of $10 billion in 1980 when Nigeria had $10.5 billion of same economic index to present day where China’s GDP is $30 trillion while her Foreign Reserve stands at 3 Trillion dollars. Nigeria’s present GDP is 420 billion dollars and Savings of 30 billion dollars..” This, he said, was an index of failure, pure and simple.
“’We were busy sharing oil money, the only thing we’re good at – sharing! Our politicians have failed the nation. I’m a politician too…so I’m part of it. No country survives without saving for the future but there’s no provision of savings in our Constitution. It says every income of this country should be shared among the three tiers of government. Every other country plans for her future. But ours is a motor park situation. We share everything. How can a nation survive with such mindset?” he asked.
Obi bemoaned a situation where the society does not ask questions about their leaders.
He challenged Men of God like Dr. Rapu to not only preach and pray, but to go further and challenge politicians derailing the country.
“They have to challenge the people, especially youths to participate in all processes of electioneering instead of folding hands while things go terribly awry. We have no other country. Stand up and take back your country’’, Obi charged the youth.
