By Perpetua Onuegbu
A Labour Party (LP) Presidential Aspirant, Samuel Nwigwe, from Ebonyi, has called for constitutional reforms, improved security and an end to political violence as part of efforts to reposition Nigeria for sustainable development.
Nwigwe said this while speaking to newsmen on the sidelines of LP screening of Presidential and National Assembly aspirants in Abuja.
He said Nigeria required a new governance structure capable of promoting unity, social justice and economic growth.
He said the country’s current challenges, especially insecurity, were largely driven by politics and poor governance structures.
“Our constitution needs to be restructured and reformed. We need a constitution that will unite Nigeria and create a balanced and fair country,” he said.
According to him, politics in Nigeria must be free of violence to guarantee peaceful participation and national progress.
“The politics of violence must end for the future of our children and the future of this country,” he said.
The aspirant, who said he had lived and worked extensively in the United Kingdom, noted that Nigeria could replicate the social welfare and security systems obtainable in developed countries.
Drawing comparisons with Britain, he said that government must take greater responsibility for the welfare of citizens, especially children and vulnerable groups.
“In London, government policies ensure that children do not go hungry and families receive support.
“We have seen systems that work and we believe Nigeria can also achieve such progress,” he said.
He also stressed the need for effective security strategies to tackle kidnapping and violent crimes across the country.
According to him, insecurity has negatively affected many families and businesses in Nigeria.
“We have seen how other countries respond swiftly to security threats. Nigeria can also build a system where people move freely without fear,” he said.
The aspirant described himself as a nationalist committed to Nigeria’s unity and democratic development.
“I believe Nigeria is a great country and we must work together to build it,” he said.
Also speaking, an aspirant for the Nkwerre/Isu/Nwangele/Njaba Federal Constituency in Imo, Chief Solomon Onyejido, pledged to prioritise infrastructure development and effective representation for his constituents if elected.
He described the screening process as a challenge but expressed confidence in the Labour Party’s growing strength as a major opposition platform in Nigeria.
“The Labour Party is the strongest opposition we have in Nigeria today and it is positioned to take power from the ruling government,” he said.
According to him, politics is centred more on credible representation and delivery of democratic dividends than party affiliation.
“In my constituency, we are not talking about party; we are talking about who represents the people well.
“The people believe that if I am there, the needed changes and development due to my federal constituency will get to them,” he said.
The aspirant lamented the poor state of infrastructure in the area, citing lack of roads, potable water and electricity in several communities.
“We do not have roads, we do not have water, and some communities do not even have electricity.
“I cannot sit down and watch my people suffer. That is why I am determined to give them impactful and responsible representation,” he said. (NAN)
Edited Funmilayo Adeyemi
