The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi has pledged to curb abuse in government and halt the decline in the quality of lives of Nigerians if elected president.
Sharing his vision for the country in an X post on Wednesday, he predicted the proposed roadmap on addressing governance challenges and placing the country on a path of unity, peace and prosperity.
According to him, “When I decided to contest for the office of President of Nigeria, I pledged to place Nigeria on the path of unity and national transformation.
“Now, as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, I will, in the coming weeks and months, provide insights into the roadmap that I am confident will help curb abuse in government, halt the decline in the quality of life of Nigerians at all levels, and usher in an era of unity, peace, sustained progress, and prosperity.”
The former Anambra governor maintained that his vision is anchored on “unity, inclusion, social justice, equity, and the freedom of every citizen to pursue lawful dreams”.
He identified education and healthcare reforms as central components of the agenda, describing human capital development as critical to national progress.
“Central to this proposed roadmap are significant reforms in education and healthcare, which are at the core of human capital development.
“A robust human capital is indispensable infrastructure for national progress. It serves as the fundamental capital upon which daily life, economic expansion, and the delivery of essential public services depend.”
The NDC presidential candidate said his administration would establish a task force to tackle the problem of out-of-school children and place greater emphasis on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to support industrialisation.
“From the outset of my presidency, we will establish a task force dedicated to drastically reducing the menace of out-of-school children. We will place greater emphasis on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to support our drive for massive industrialisation,” he added.
‘My Stance on Road Development’
In a related development, Obi took to his Facebook page to make known how he intends to tackle the deplorable state of road infrastructure in the country.
His words, “There is a pertinent reason I have consistently advocated that we should refrain from initiating new road construction projects until we have thoroughly rehabilitated and maintained our existing road network. Instead of undertaking new ventures and dualization projects that offer marginal benefits, our primary focus ought to be on repairing the critical roads already in place.
Consider, for instance, the Asaba–Benin Road. This thoroughfare is a vital artery within Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure. Travellers traversing from Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Rivers, Imo, Ebonyi, Cross River, Abia, Enugu, and portions of Benue and Kogi States to Lagos are compelled to utilise this route.
Despite its significance, substantial sections of this road are in a lamentable condition. It has become a major impediment, precipitating persistent traffic congestion and inflicting undue hardship on travellers, businesses, and transport operators.
Regrettably, this situation is not unique; it reflects the reality on many of our busiest national highways.
Our efforts should be directed towards the reconstruction and maintenance of our current road infrastructure before we announce plans for new road projects. The Nigerian populace requires functional and motorable roads, not merely projects that garner public attention.
Efforts aimed at superficial improvements for political gain should not supersede the urgent need to address the condition of our existing, critical roadways.
A new Nigeria is POssible.“
