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64th Independence: Nigeria needs rescue from further decay – Obi
By Francesca Hangeior.
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has urged leaders and citizens alike to reflect deeply on the country’s current state.
Obi warned that Nigeria is “urgently in need of rescue from further decay,” highlighting the nations challenges across economic, social and security sectors.
He made the call on Tuesday in a statement he shared on his X handle in commemoration of the nation’s 64th Independence Day.
While acknowledging the significance of independence, Obi emphasised that this year’s celebration should be a time for sober reflection, especially for the nation’s leadership.
“Today is a day to appreciate God for abundantly blessing us with natural, human, and material resources to build a great nation,” Obi said.
However, he stressed that the country’s abundant resources have not translated into meaningful progress.
He emphasised, “For me, this should also be a day of sober reflection for every Nigerian, especially for us, the leaders, whose actions and inactions have contributed to the stagnation and glaring failures we are witnessing at present.”
He expressed concern over Nigeria’s underperformance in key areas of development, questioning whether the nation has truly improved the lives of its people.
Obi pointed to critical issues plaguing the country, including widespread poverty, a broken education system, and an overwhelming debt burden.
He also highlighted the alarming statistic of over 18 million out-of-school children as evidence of Nigeria’s failure to secure its future.
“Have we built a productive economy, or have we created a nation with the worst debt profile in its history?” he asked.
Beyond the economy, Obi underscored the nation’s poor rankings in global security, corruption and rule of law.
He stated, “We are ranked as one of the most insecure nations globally and among the most corrupt. Our disregard for the rule of law is evident, and this has hindered our progress as a nation.”
The Senator representing Taraba Central Senatorial District, Senator Haruna Manu celebrates Easter with Christians in Taraba and Nigeria in general calling on them to coexist peacefully.
Manu in his message said, the festivity which is actually after the Lenten period calls for sober reflection and prayers.
“As we celebrate Easter may the Almighty God yield to our prayer requests and bless the works of our hands.
“I congratulate our christian brothers and sisters as we celebrate Easter and coexist peacefully in our beloved country.
A member of the House of Representatives, Kabiru Alhassan Rirum, has appealed to hunters from the Northern states to desist from moving to the South for hunting purposes.
Kabiru, who represents Rano/Bunkure/ Kibya Federal Constituency reasoned that such movement for hunting purposes was no longer feasible in the present- day Nigeria.
Speaking during a condolence visit to the families of the Uromi hunters in Torankawa town in Bunkure LGA of Kano State on Thursday, Rirum, stressed that the present day Nigeria requires people doing businesses that would not create suspicion that might result or lead to uncertaintie.
“Carrying dangerous weapons and moving around with them from one end to another in this sensitive period of insecurity in the land will surely send a bad signal and results in chaos,” he said.
He recalled that recently over 30 hunters from Rano were apprehended in Ondo State, adding that he had to personally reach out to the Ondo State governor, including showing clear evidence that they were not criminals, before they were released. Rirum, who condoled the victims’ families with the sum of N5 million, pledged to build an Islamic school in the area to cater for the orphans of the deceased hunters.
The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has said that the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, Enugu State, will be temporarily shut down for emergency runway repairs.
The Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah, said in a statement in the early hours of Saturday that this measure measure became necessary due to a sudden and significant rupture in the asphalt surface at a critical section of the runway.
FAAN said that while the repairs are ongoing, all flights would be redirected to nearby airports.
She said: “There is a sudden and significant rupture in the asphalt surface at a critical section of the runway. Hence, emergency repairs will be conducted on that portion of the runway from April 22nd to May 6th, 2025.
“In compliance with Nigerian civil aviation regulations, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has, therefore, closed the runway during this period. As part of FAAN’s commitment to passenger safety and the modernisation of airport facilities, the runway will not be open for landings or takeoffs during the rehabilitation period.
“FAAN appeals to all airport users and stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation during this time. All flights to this airport will be diverted to nearby airports. We sincerely apologise for the late and unexpected notice regarding this closure.”
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