Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has emphasized that insecurity is a significant obstacle to national progress.
He stressed that citizens must feel secure before meaningful progress can be achieved.
Obi made this statement at the “Scholarships and Awards Night for Icons of Democracy” organized by the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy .
The event, held in Abuja, honored champions of democracy who have contributed to positive change in Nigeria.
Represented by Peter Ameh, former chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Obi praised the Nigerian people for their commitment to democracy, saying, “The award represents the extraordinary undefeated spirit of the Nigerian people,” according to Leadership.
He also highlighted his own commitment to integrity, sincerity, and working for the people, which propelled him to victory in the election.
Obi’s emphasis on security as a prerequisite for progress underscores the importance of addressing insecurity to achieve meaningful development and growth in Nigeria.
“Nigerians appreciate good people despite that they were disappointed by a lot of people because before people would want to decamp to a political party, you’re looking for a party that has a governor, senators. Look at what happened that a party without structure or standing, the Nigerian people took it up to number one party,” he said.
Also speaking on the purpose of the event, COPDEM National chairman Prince Rwang Pam Jr said, “,On the general level there are people who risk their lives in the face of intimidation and spoke out the truth in defense of democracy. So, we felt such people should not be thrown to the wind. It is not a bone you just throw away, these are people that have sacrificed and we owe them a duty of recognition.
“On the post – humuous level, we have heroes, we have people like Dele Giwa,Gani Fawehnmi, MKO Abiola, these are people who laid down their lives, so, we felt we needed to recognize and respect them.”
Some of the prominents Nigerians who won the Icon awards at the event includes Peter Obi, Aisha Yusufu, Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah, HRH Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Rufai Oseni, Kenneth Okonkwo and late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
