ADVERTISEMENT
The Sun Nigeria
  • National
  • Columns
    • Broken Tongues
    • Capital Matters
    • Diabetes Corner
    • Duro Onabule
    • Femi Adesina
    • Frank Talk
    • Funke Egbemode
    • Insights
    • Kalu Leadership Series
    • Kunle Solaja
    • Offside Musings
    • PressClips
    • Public Sphere
    • Ralph Egbu
    • Shola Oshunkeye
    • Sideview
    • The Flipside – Eric Osagie
    • Tola Adeniyi
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • The Sun TV
  • Sporting Sun
  • The Sun Foundation
No Result
View All Result
  • National
  • Columns
    • Broken Tongues
    • Capital Matters
    • Diabetes Corner
    • Duro Onabule
    • Femi Adesina
    • Frank Talk
    • Funke Egbemode
    • Insights
    • Kalu Leadership Series
    • Kunle Solaja
    • Offside Musings
    • PressClips
    • Public Sphere
    • Ralph Egbu
    • Shola Oshunkeye
    • Sideview
    • The Flipside – Eric Osagie
    • Tola Adeniyi
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • The Sun TV
  • Sporting Sun
  • The Sun Foundation
No Result
View All Result
The Sun Nigeria
No Result
View All Result
ADVERTISEMENT
Home Elections

53 years after civil war, Obi pledges commitment to Nigeria’s unity

15th January 2023
in Elections, National, Politics
0
53 years after civil war, Obi pledges commitment to Nigeria's unity
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

By Chinelo Obogo

Fifty-three years after the end of Nigeria’s civil war, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi, has said that he is very committed to Nigeria’s unity.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Sunday, Obi who is a former governor of Anambra State, said the South East, led by Ohanaeze has at every opportunity been unequivocal about its commitment to the unity, oneness, integrity, and progress of Nigeria, based on equity, justice, and an inclusive society.

“January 15, was a very special and unique day in 2023 as it was 53 years ago and 40 days from today, Nigerians will be voting in an election that many regard as the most crucial and existential decision we have to make as a nation and particularly for our children and youths, given the sad state of our dear nation, Nigeria: alarming insecurity, unemployment, poverty, inflation, debt, hunger, disunity, hopelessness and many other indices of a failing state.

It was also on 15th January, 53 years ago, a very special red-letter day for Nigeria that the booming of guns and other paraphernalia of battle were formally silenced in the thirty-month civil war in which millions of lives were regrettably lost and an unquantifiable number of properties destroyed.

“As we can recall, Colonel Olusegun Obasanjo, as he was then known, led the then-Biafran delegation to General Gowon to declare that the war was over and that the military colleagues from the Biafran side should be deployed.

“It was that task of keeping Nigeria united that has provided the platform for the commitment of both mental and physical energy to the arduous but noble task of building one strong, united ad indivisible Nigeria. As such, the overriding task we should all be committed to, as stated above, is Securing and uniting Nigeria for sustainable and inclusive development, particularly for our children and youths.

“While we regret the immense losses from the war, pray for the repose of souls of the departed and thank God that it ended, we all must join hands with utmost sincerity and commitment to preventing any serious violence in Nigeria, let alone another civil war! Never again!

“This task of securing and uniting Nigeria should be our only option and we all can agree that the leaders and people of different sections of Nigeria have done admirably well, particularly in the years immediately after the war. Within less than ten years after the end of that civil war, a committed personality from the defunct Biafra, Dr Alex Ekwueme, was the number two man to a most patriotic, humble servant-leader, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, who was number one.

“This democratic leap with its unifying symbolism was glorious for Nigeria, and I deeply cherish such path of brotherhood and onenesses established by Shagari/Ekwueme and truly believe that it is this path of inclusiveness and togetherness as one Nigeria we should follow today.”

Obi further said that agitations by some young people were borne out of frustration and injustice and that such youths could seize upon and use anything or tool to express their frustration and anger. He said that some of those who are agitating are doing so partly due to leadership failures in creating an inclusive and progressive Nigeria.

“Anyone who still harbours a different agenda different from the realisation of a wholesome and unifying people-oriented development vision is doing a terrible disservice to this generation and generations of Nigerians yet unborn. I cannot think of any valid reason, except for the deficit of sound socio-economic and political policies and programmes that will unite and propel Nigeria forward.

“From what I know of the South-East, the Igbo nation, led by Ohanaeze has at every opportunity been unequivocal about its commitment to the unity, oneness, integrity, and progress of Nigeria, based on equity, justice, and an inclusive society.

” I, Peter Obi, a proud Nigerian of Igbo extraction, I am most truthfully and wholly committed to that stand of one united, secure and progressive Nigeria. It is also worth calling a spade a spade. There are youths all over Nigeria who are frustrated because of injustice, poverty, lack of opportunities, unemployment, unemployment, and apparent exclusion. Such youths could seize upon and use anything issue or tool to express their frustration and anger. I believe that some of those who are agitating are doing so partly due to our failures in creating an inclusive and progressive Nigeria.

“A working Nigeria with equity, justice and fairness will also definitely and effectively checkmate such extreme groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP.

“I personally believe that the best strategy for dealing with these situations manifesting in the guise of unclear nationalism, bigoted patriotism and religious bigotry is a carrot-and-stick approach. Nation-building and an Ordered Society are now imperative. We must wean those that can be weaned through the creation of a society where equity and justice will prevail, a society where the basic freedoms and necessities of life, such as health, jobs, skills, and empowerment are provided.

“I believe that various agitation groups will stop their agitations when they see a patriotic leadership imbued with fairness, equity, justice, and a determination for a very inclusive and progressive society. Every rational human being can change when he sees a good reason to do so. Such incentives require the right approach, effort, and time. It is also unfair to use the misconduct or position of one person or a few persons in an ethnic group to stigmatise the entire group. It is a wrong approach and should not be so! I have repeatedly said that I will sit down and discuss with all agitators, believing that we must continue to talk and negotiate with all to achieve positive results.

“Today marks 53 years since the civil war formally ended. Let us accept that the war has truly ended. To try to continue to ‘fight the civil war’ today, after fifty-three years, would be a great disservice to Nigeria and Nigerians, particularly our heroes who diligently laboured to secure and unite us.

“Let our rallying anthem remain: “Though tribes and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand.” On this day 15th January 2023, I most sincerely pledge and commit that I will spend the rest of my life making sure that the civil war and the circumstances that led to it do not re-occur; and to ensure that we build an all-inclusive and progressive society where no individual or group will be estranged, marginalised, or excluded,” he said.

David

David

Sun News Online team

Related Posts

Anambra poll: CLO commends INEC, security operatives, voters for peaceful conduct
National

INEC urges registered voters to participate in Saturday’s mock accreditation

31st January 2023
National

Pyrates disown viral video on 2023 presidential candidate

31st January 2023
2023 polls: Nwodo, Itanyi, others commend Ugwuanyi on achievements, back PDP candidates
Politics

2023 polls: Nwodo, Itanyi, others commend Ugwuanyi on achievements, back PDP candidates

31st January 2023
Next Post
Ekiti: Ajoni LCDA commissions shops, classrooms, as governor promises more funding for LGs, LCDAs

Ekiti: Ajoni LCDA commissions shops, classrooms, as governor promises more funding for LGs, LCDAs

2023: Reject killers, candidates who shun debates, forge identities, slander opponents -Bakare warns

2023: Reject killers, candidates who shun debates, forge identities, slander opponents -Bakare warns

PAP closes scholarship application portal, begins screening of applicants 

Ex-militant leaders petition NSA to probe diversion of N11.8 in Amnesty Office

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Highlights

COVID-19 remains international health threat, WHO warns

INEC urges registered voters to participate in Saturday’s mock accreditation

Pyrates disown viral video on 2023 presidential candidate

Peter Mbah’s new deal for Enugu youths

Fostering efficient payment system infrastructure with cashless policy

WACOT Rice signs 4-year partnership deal with Kebbi Beach Soccer Association

Trending

MAIGARI
Health

Katsina govt. provides preventive treatment for elephantiasis to 5m residents

31st January 2023
0

The Katsina State Government says it has provided preventive treatment to over five million people at risk...

Bloody urine, abnormal scrotum, breast, symptoms of neglected tropical diseases, says experts

Bloody urine, abnormal scrotum, breast, symptoms of neglected tropical diseases, says experts

31st January 2023
UN condemns deadly mosque attack in Pakistan

UN condemns deadly mosque attack in Pakistan

31st January 2023
Ghana records over 19,000 COVID-19 cases

COVID-19 remains international health threat, WHO warns

31st January 2023
Anambra poll: CLO commends INEC, security operatives, voters for peaceful conduct

INEC urges registered voters to participate in Saturday’s mock accreditation

31st January 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Follow us on social media:

Latest News

  • Katsina govt. provides preventive treatment for elephantiasis to 5m residents
  • Bloody urine, abnormal scrotum, breast, symptoms of neglected tropical diseases, says experts
  • UN condemns deadly mosque attack in Pakistan
  • COVID-19 remains international health threat, WHO warns
  • INEC urges registered voters to participate in Saturday’s mock accreditation
  • Pyrates disown viral video on 2023 presidential candidate
  • Peter Mbah’s new deal for Enugu youths
  • Fostering efficient payment system infrastructure with cashless policy
  • WACOT Rice signs 4-year partnership deal with Kebbi Beach Soccer Association
  • 2023 polls: Nwodo, Itanyi, others commend Ugwuanyi on achievements, back PDP candidates
  • FG laments Nigeria’s 4.4m MT millet shortfall
  • Eighth Fairtrade agrofood, plastprintpack exhibition to reposition Nigeria’s agric sector
  • Atiku’ll grant Nnamdi Kanu unconditional release if elected president –Campaign council 
  • Wike accuses PDP national leadership of anti-party activities
  • Army vows to win war against insurgency
  • … Raids Lagos community, arrests 116 hoodlums 
  • Police arrest 3 suspected rapists, 16 others in Oyo 
  • Court orders Enugu LG chairman, to pay  man  N20m for son’s death  
  • 2 suspects killed in gun duel with police
  • Court dismisses ex-presidential candidate’s suit seeking Buhari’s sack

Categories

  • Abuja Metro
  • Anambra Watch
  • Arts
  • Broken Tongues
  • Business
  • Business Week
  • Cartoons
  • Citizen Joe
  • Columns
  • Cover
  • Culture
  • Duro Onabule
  • Editorial
  • Education Review
  • Effect
  • Elections
  • Entertainment
  • Events
  • Features
  • Femi Adesina
  • Food & Drinks
  • Frank Talk
  • Funke Egbemode
  • Gallery
  • Global Square by Kenneth Okonkwo
  • Health
  • Insights
  • Kalu Leadership Series
  • Kunle Solaja
  • Kunle Solaja
  • Letters
  • Lifeline
  • Lifestyle
  • Literary Review
  • Marketing Matters
  • Muiz Banire
  • National
  • News
  • Offside Musings
  • Opinion
  • oriental news
  • Politics
  • Press Release
  • PressClips
  • Public Sphere
  • Ralph Egbu
  • Shola Oshunkeye
  • Sideview
  • South-west Magazine
  • Sponsored Post
  • Sporting Sun
  • Sports
  • Sun Girl
  • Tea Time
  • The Flipside – Eric Osagie
  • The Sun Awards Live
  • The Sun TV
  • Thoughts & Talks
  • Time Out
  • Today's cover
  • Tola Adeniyi
  • Travel
  • Travel & Tourism
  • Trending
  • TSWeekend
  • Turf Game
  • Uncategorized
  • Updates
  • Views from Abroad
  • Voices
  • World
  • World News
  • About Us
  • Paper Ad Rate
  • Online Ad Rate
  • Change of Name
  • The Team
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy

© 2019 The Sun Nigeria - Managed by Netsera.

No Result
View All Result
  • National
  • Columns
    • Broken Tongues
    • Capital Matters
    • Diabetes Corner
    • Duro Onabule
    • Femi Adesina
    • Frank Talk
    • Funke Egbemode
    • Insights
    • Kalu Leadership Series
    • Kunle Solaja
    • Offside Musings
    • PressClips
    • Public Sphere
    • Ralph Egbu
    • Shola Oshunkeye
    • Sideview
    • The Flipside – Eric Osagie
    • Tola Adeniyi
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • The Sun TV
  • Sporting Sun
  • The Sun Foundation

© 2019 The Sun Nigeria - Managed by Netsera.