Peter Obi hails workers, urges better leadership, economic justice in Nigeria

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ABUJA – Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has paid tribute to workers across the world, especially Nigerians, describing them as the backbone of every nation and the driving force of economic and social development.

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In a Workers’ Day message shared on his X handle on Friday, Obi commended the sacrifices of workers in various sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, security, and manufacturing, noting that their contributions remain vital despite prevailing economic hardship.

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He lamented that Nigerian workers continue to struggle under worsening economic conditions, arguing that the minimum wage can no longer sustain even basic living standards due to inflation, rising food costs, and transportation expenses.

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“It is deeply painful that those who wake up every day to teach, heal, build, farm, produce, transport, protect, and serve our nation are still denied the dignity and fair reward their labour deserves,” he said.

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Obi stressed that no nation can develop beyond the strength and productivity of its workforce, adding that when workers suffer, the nation suffers, and when workers are empowered, the nation prospers.

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He also emphasised the importance of democratic participation, urging workers to recognise the power of their collective voice and votes in shaping national leadership and governance outcomes.

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According to him, workers have a responsibility to demand leadership built on competence, character, capacity, credibility, and compassion, while rejecting corruption, ethnic division, and poor governance.

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“They owe it to themselves, their children, and future generations to support and demand leadership built on competence, character, capacity, credibility, and compassion,” he stated.

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Obi further called for a nation anchored on justice, fairness, and respect for labour, insisting that such values are essential for sustainable development.

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He concluded by reaffirming his belief in a better future for the country, saying a “New Nigeria is possible” with the active participation and support of Nigerian workers.

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