•Martin Onovo
The 2015 presidential candidate of the National Conscience Party (NCP), Chief Martin Onovo, has taken a hard look at the current situation in the country and the social life of the citizens, insisting that only a peaceful revolution can save Nigeria from destruction and decadence.
Onovo, the Head, Policy Positions, Movement for Fundamental Change (MFC), who spoke exclusively with our correspondent at the weekend, lamented that Nigerians have been suffering the consequences of their aberrations and blunders, reports Sunday Independent.
He stressed that the situation in the country clearly justifies a peaceful revolution, otherwise, the current predicament would only get worse.
The seasoned politician and activist stated: “As Nigerians, we are suffering the consequences of our aberrations and blunders.
“Many Nigerians are spiritually corrupt; many are morally degenerate; many are sick; many live in unhealthy families; very many are multi-dimensionally poor; many are not properly educated; many are unemployed; many children are out-of-school; many of our citizens live in insecurity and fear; many pray to escape from this country; many are in near despair.
“These are some of the consequences of our aberrations and blunders. The situation clearly justifies a peaceful revolution.
“2025 can be the year of our Nigerian revolution. Otherwise, our Nigerian predicament will only get worse.”
Taking a look at the situation in the country, he maintained that Nigerians can definitely do better, noting that God has blessed the country with the human and material resources to do very well, “but we have preferred lawlessness, laziness and corruption.”
Onovo maintained that for the country to be better, Nigerians need to emphasise and comply with the constitutional ‘National Ethics’, which he listed as discipline, integrity, dignity of labour, social justice, religious tolerance, self-reliance and patriotism.
According to him, ”These are foundational universal values clearly listed in our constitution to guide us. Unfortunately, we have preferred lawlessness, laziness, greed, dishonesty and corruption.
“Currently, corruption with audacious impunity is the norm. Public morality has been perverted. Lawlessness and impunity are celebrated. Corruption is revered.
“Consequently, unemployment is unprecedented; inflation is unprecedented, total national debt is unprecedented, insecurity is unprecedented and extreme poverty is widespread.
“Nigeria has dropped from the largest economy in Africa to the fourth largest. Similarly, Nigeria with a current GDP per capita of $1,110, has dropped to the 33rd position in Africa based on GDP per-capita. What a disgraceful performance.”
Onovo lamented: “Nigeria has become a failed State, unable to take control of its territory, unable to feed our citizens, unable to pay our debts, unable to enforce our laws and unable to protect our citizens. We can do better.
“To do better, ‘leadership is key’. We have to get the right leadership. The right leadership is the one that is morally, mentally and medically fit.
“With the right leadership, we can plan better, control corruption and implement our plans efficiently and diligently to achieve our constitutional purpose of government which is the security and welfare of our people.
“We can do it. Yes, we can. Together we can. Let us proceed. God will bless our efforts if we pray.”
