Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has called on Nigerians to hold unto the values of social justice, peace and human progress in his Eid-el-Fitr message to Muslims.
Mr Obi said the holy month of Ramadan was a great opportunity for all to practice restraint, decorum and humility. He also enjoined Muslim faithful, and by extension Nigerians, to be fair and just in all dealings; to help the needy and heal the ailing; to also promote mutual understanding and peace within communities.
He observed that the 2023 general elections created negative ripples that manifest in various forms of uncertainties through the country.
“Our dear country, Nigeria, the only nation we have, is going through uncertainties related to our recent flawed elections and the activities of fringe elements, who do not respect the rule of law, our Constitution or the wish of our people. They have deployed impunity and exploited weak national institutions to subvert the will of the people,” Obi said.
He regretted that he and his running mate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, have continued to come under various forms of attacks from the opposition which he described as unfair. He, however, maintained that they would remain law-abiding in the journey to reclaiming their mandate.
“It is now common knowledge that perpetrators of state capture and their acolytes continue to attack Datti and I, and indeed, the Labour Party and the Obidient Family, for seeking redress in the court of law to recover our stolen electoral mandate. Efforts to dissuade us from pursuing rightful judicial recourse have included the deployment of fake doctored audio, identity theft, impersonation, trolls and fighting words.
“Many other untoward activities have also been directed at our people and nation but we remain resolute in reclaiming our mandate through all peaceful and legal options under our laws and constitution. We continue to implore all Nigerians to remain peaceful and law-abiding.
“We equally remain in prayers that these challenges will be overcome without adverse shock to the economy, nation and national interest,” he stated.
Calling on Nigerians to remain law-abiding and peaceful in their quest for a better country, Obi added: “In the true spirit of Ramadan, I call on all Nigerians to remain focused on peace and the rule of law. I also wish to assure Nigerians and the Obidients that our struggle to reclaim our mandate is in good stead, and on course. A new Nigeria that is safe, secure, fair and prosperous for all Nigerians is indeed Possible!”