He gave the young people credit for their bravery and perseverance, particularly during the election season.
The former governor of Anambra bemoaned the realization of the majority of his worries voiced during the campaign.
At a gathering on Sunday, February 25, in Abuja, organized by Obidient support organizations with the subject “Redefining Our Options and Consolidating our Legacies,” he made this statement.
But he urged Nigerians to hold onto hope, saying that a new Nigeria is still conceivable despite the catastrophic circumstances facing the nation.
Part of Obi’s message was, “The country has heard us. The youth have taken on the responsibility of reshaping both their own and our nation’s futures. They are eager to reclaim their nation from those who think poorly of national leadership.
“I also applaud the independence of thought and patriotism of individuals who did not endorse or vote for us.
“I applaud your bravery and persistence. We boldly declared as a group that a new, successful, and unified Nigeria is not only conceivable, but also accessible to every Nigerian.
You persevered in the face of adversity, disregarded the pessimism of doubters, made great sacrifices, and held on to the unwavering conviction that this land is our nation and that we must create its destiny for the sake of present and future generations.
“After considering the results of the election and the current state of affairs in the nation, we were right to argue that the traditional methods of conducting politics ought to be replaced with a new progressive Nigeria.
Most of the worries we voiced about what would happen to our country if we continued with the current political system have come back to haunt us in terrifying ways in the year since that election.
“Even if we didn’t win the election, we nevertheless achieved an enormous moral triumph. All of our worst fears, which we warned would happen, have come true.
“Our national economy has been driven into perhaps the worst state in all of our national life. The population of individuals categorized as multi-dimensionally impoverished has increased astronomically to almost 80% of our population.
In a similar vein, unemployment is skyrocketing; for a population that is predominately young, this situation is catastrophic and extremely hazardous.
“Our people have come together via the hunger demonstrations, regardless of their geography, nationality, language, or creed. This further supports our conviction that living situations, not fabricated obstacles put up by self-serving politicians, are what bind Nigerians together. We are all hungry today as a single people.
“I am happy to reassure our supporters and fellow citizens that nothing in our dark experiences has dampened my resolve and optimism in the possibility of the New Nigeria that we all strove so hard to enthrone a year ago, despite our current problems and setbacks as a nation.”