The Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi has said that “fringe elements” have deployed impunity and exploited weak national institutions to subvert the will of the people.
He added that these elements do not respect the rule of law, noting that their unwholesome activities have caused the nation to go through uncertainties relating to insecurity, deprivation, unemployment and most recently, divisive flawed elections.
Obi said this in a Sallah message released on Friday.
The LP candidate congratulated the Muslim faithful on the successful completion of Ramadan and wished them a Happy Sallah.
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“The Holy Month of Ramadan was for all to practice restraint, decorum and humility; it enjoined all faithfuls 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.
“These injunctions promote the values of universal social justice, world peace and human progress,” Obi said.
He added, “Our dear country Nigeria, the only nation that we have, is going through uncertainties in different areas relating to insecurity, deprivation, unemployment and most recently, divisive flawed elections arising from the activities of fringe elements who do not respect the rule of law. They always deploy impunity and exploit weak national institutions to subvert the will of the people.
“Many untoward activities have been directed at our people and nation, but we remain resolute in fighting for a New Nigeria through all peaceful and legal options under our laws. We continue to implore all Nigerians to remain peaceful and law-abiding.
“We equally remain in prayers that these challenges will be overcome without further adverse shock to the economy, nation and national interest.”
Obi said that in deference to the revered periods of Lent and Ramadan, “we have refrained from personally reacting to various distractive allegations and fake news directed at Datti Baba-Ahmed and me.”
He added, “The most egregious of these acts is the allegation of treason for pursuing the due process.
“It is now common knowledge that perpetrators of state capture and their acolytes continue to attack Datti and me, and indeed, the Labour Party and the OBIdient Family, for seeking a New Nigeria that will be beneficial to all Nigerians.
“Efforts to dissuade us from pursuing the right path towards achieving an equitable, secure and productive New Nigeria, included the deployment of doctored audio, identity theft, impersonation, trolls and fighting words.
“In the true spirit of Ramadan, I call on our supporters to remain focused on peace and the rule of law. I also wish to assure Nigerians and the OBIdients that our struggle for a New Nigeria is in good stead, and on course.
“Indeed, be assured that a new Nigeria, that is safe, secure, fair and prosperous for all Nigerians is POssible!”