Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has issued a stark warning that Nigeria is sitting on a “keg of gunpowder,” urging the nation to confront its pressing challenges. His statement came in recognition of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day anniversary.

The former governor of Anambra State expressed his support for protests organized by youth groups and civil society organizations, who used the occasion to voice their frustrations over the hardship and governance failures plaguing the country. He posed a critical question: “While it’s not wrong for a 64-year-old nation to acknowledge its journey, the real question is: are we celebrating success or failure?”

Obi emphasized that while he supports peaceful protests, it is crucial for Nigerians to remind their leaders of the current tensions, stating, “Nigerians must seize every opportunity to remind our leaders that we are sitting on a keg of gunpowder.”

Rather than a day of celebration, Obi lamented that the nation should engage in deep reflection. “What we truly need in Nigeria is mourning. Today should have been a day for sackcloth and ashes, not a march-past,” he asserted, calling on leaders to express remorse for the broken trust of the people. He advocated for a collective review of the nation’s state, reflecting on historical lessons regarding the rise and fall of nations and how past missteps have led to the current crisis.

He further urged Nigerians to utilize social media platforms to remind each other that the conditions for a revolution are evident. “We should remind ourselves how revolutions begin, how they escalate, and how, through a series of unfortunate events, even the most reasonable people can be driven to extremes,” he cautioned.

In closing, Obi stressed the urgent need for leadership that acknowledges the dire situation and takes decisive action to prevent further deterioration. “We are at a crossroads. We know what is happening today, but no one can predict what tomorrow will bring,” he warned, highlighting that addressing the nation’s challenges requires critical reflection and strategic leadership.