Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has declared his readiness to lay down his life for Nigeria, stating that the nation must declare a decisive war against the non-state actors currently terrorising the country rather than focusing on future elections.
Speaking during a recent podcast interview, Obi emphasised the urgent need for firm and courageous leadership to tackle the escalating insecurity, insisting that the government can no longer allow criminals to overpower the state.
He maintained that ending the reign of terror requires ultimate sacrifice and unwavering commitment from those at the helm of affairs.
“I said one person must be in charge. We declare war. If you’re ready to live, you must be ready to die. If you’re not ready to die, go home,” Obi declared.
When asked directly during the session whether he was personally prepared to die for the nation, the former Anambra State Governor responded affirmatively, stressing his deep commitment to the country’s survival regardless of where he might be at the time of crisis.
“Yes, Tomorrow, if I’m outside this country and there’s war, I’ll come back,” he replied. “I’m ready to die here. It’s one country. We cannot have non-state actors take over the state.”
Reflecting on the historical strength of the nation’s security architecture, Obi recalled the past glory of the Nigerian armed forces, contrasting it with the current reality where bandits and terrorists operate with impunity.
“We used to have a military that kept peace all over the world. Our military was able to help keep peace from Europe to Sudan, to Liberia, to Kuwait, to everything,” he noted.
Dismissing political discussions about the next electoral cycle, Obi maintained that rescuing abducted citizens, particularly children held captive in forests by bandits, must be the absolute priority of the nation.
“I cannot talk about the new elections when our kids are in the bush. We will all go there and die with them,” he stated, urging a collective and fearless approach to restoring peace and security across Nigeria.
Tribune