- Safiu Kehinde
The 2027 Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has vowed to decisively tackle insecurity and ensure all Internally Displaced People (IDPs) return to their homes.
Obi made the vow during his national broadcast messgmage in celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day celebration.
In what he tagged message of hope, determination, and responsibilty, the NDC Presidential candidate recalled his visit to Sokoto State alongside his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
He narrated the the ordeal of the women and children seen in the IDP camps.
“Only yesterday, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso and I returned from a two-day visit to Sokoto State.
“We held extensive consultations with people from different parts of the state on insecurity, out-of-school children, poverty, youth unemployment, drug abuse and other challenges confronting our people.
“In concluding the visit, we went to the Internally Displaced Persons camp at Ramin Kura within Sokoto metropolis. What we saw was deeply troubling.
“Thousands of women and children live in deplorable conditions, displaced from their homes and deprived of the basic necessities of life.
“Many of the children have no access to education. Mothers and children have limited access to basic healthcare” He noted.
Obi noted that these are people who supposed to be in their respective communities as he described their condition as a reflwction of suffering experienced by Nigerians across the country.
He accused the President Bola Tinubu-led administration of neglecting the women and children.
“These are Nigerians who should be living in their communities, going to school, farming their land, conducting their businesses and contributing to the economy. Instead, they live as displaced persons in their own country.
“What we saw in Ramin Kura is not an isolated story. It is a reflection of the suffering experienced, in different forms, across many parts of Nigeria.
“And yet, while ordinary Nigerians struggle with these realities, this present government often behaves as though these problems belong to another country.
“The political leaders, have failed our country and, most importantly, we have failed our children. This must change.” He said.
The former Anambra State governor pledged that if elected, his administration will be centred on welfare and productivity of the people.
He promised tangible impact of purposeful and effective leadership within he first year of his administration.
“My message today is not one of despair. It is a message of hope, determination and responsibility. I dare to proclaim with full assurance that a new Nigeria is possible.
“As President of Nigeria, I will make governance measurable, accountable and centred on the welfare and productivity of our people.
“Within the first year, Nigerians will begin to see the tangible impact of purposeful and effective leadership.
“We will confront insecurity decisively so that our farmers can return to their farms, our children can return to school, businesses can operate freely, and families can live without fear.
“No Nigerian should be forced to live in an IDP camp because his or her government has failed to provide security.
“My administration will work to ensure that Nigerians displaced by insecurity can begin to return safely and with dignity to their communities.” Obi said.
On the economy, Obi revealed plan to move Nigeria from a consumption-driven economy to a productive one.
He also noted that education, healthcare, security and productive enterprise will be prioritised.
“We will move from a consumption-driven economy to a productive economy, one that creates jobs, expands opportunities, supports agriculture and manufacturing, invests in human capital, and makes Nigeria a country where young people can build meaningful lives.
“We will prioritise education, healthcare, security and productive enterprise because these are not luxuries. They are the foundations of a functioning nation.” He said.
