June 12 Anniversary: Peter Obi says Democracy in Recession
………….Economic, Social life of Citizens decline
The 2023 Presidential candidate of Labour Party ( LP) Peter Obi again berated the Bola Ahmed TInubu’s administration for its anti democratic postures and submitted that “Democracy is on the reverse gear “.
Obi in his Democracy Day address presents a sobering critique of Nigeria’s current political and socio-economic state.
His declaration that Nigeria’s democracy is “in recession” reflects broader fears among many Nigerians and observers about the country’s trajectory under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Key Highlights from Obi’s Address:
1. Democracy in Name Only
Obi asserts that Nigeria no longer meets the basic criteria of a democracy, citing compromised elections, lack of transparency, and governance that ignores the will of the people. This resonates with long-standing criticisms about electoral integrity and disenfranchisement.
2. Alarming Economic Decline
The figures presented—GDP slashed from $364B to $188B, a nearly 50% drop in per capita income, and poverty affecting over half the population—are drastic. While these numbers would require independent verification, they capture the palpable economic hardship many Nigerians are experiencing.
3. Collapse of Social Services
Obi paints a dire picture: over 18 million out-of-school children, largely non-functional primary healthcare, and neglected public infrastructure. These issues are not new but are now reaching crisis levels, further eroding trust in the government.
4. Governance and Rule of Law
By stating that “the rule of law is virtually non-existent,” Obi emphasizes a deepening authoritarian drift, echoed by concerns from civil society and the international community. His call for Tinubu to acknowledge electoral failings and enact reforms draws a parallel to former leaders like Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who famously admitted election flaws in 2007.
5. A Call to Action
Rather than just critique, Obi’s speech calls for introspection and reform. His emphasis on the need for honest leadership and urgent policy change suggests he sees a path forward—if political will exists.
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Broader Implications:
Public Sentiment: Obi’s message likely resonates with large swaths of the population who feel left behind or betrayed by political promises.
Political Pressure: His address may amplify demands for reform, both domestically and internationally, especially if backed by civil society and opposition coalitions.
Tinubu’s Response: How the presidency reacts could define the political tone moving forward—whether it seeks to suppress dissent or engage in dialogue.
If you’d like, I can help analyze the speech in more detail, compare it to past Democracy Day addresses, or explore how these concerns are being addressed (or ignored) by the current administration.
