In commemoration of the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has passionately appealed to the Federal Government and other relevant stakeholders to take decisive measures to eradicate all forms of modern-day slavery.
The former Governor of Anambra State conveyed this urgent message through a statement posted on his official handle on Saturday, denouncing acts such as child labour, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking. Obi emphasized the need to restore the dignity of Nigerians facing distressing circumstances.
In his statement, he declared, “Today, as the global community marks the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, we join our voices against the most obnoxious act in the history of our race.”
Obi urged a united stand against any action that diminishes the dignity and freedom of individuals in a nation that is founded on principles of freedom, peace, and unity. Expressing concern about Nigeria’s persistent record of having a high number of modern-day slaves, both domestically and among citizens sent abroad, he highlighted the recent surge in insecurity and poverty as contributing factors.
Citing reports from the Walk Free Organization’s 2023 Global Slavery Index and Innovations for Poverty Action, Obi emphasized the alarming prevalence of modern slavery in Nigeria. The former governor stressed that concerted efforts are essential to eliminate this societal scourge, pointing out that Nigeria ranked fifth in Africa and 38th globally out of 160 countries in terms of the prevalence of modern slavery.
Obi concluded his statement by asserting, “Slavery, in any form, will have no place in the new Nigeria we all look forward to. Ours should be a land of dignity for all citizens.” He urged the Nigerian government and stakeholders to intensify their efforts to completely abolish this shameful practice, emphasizing that this is the only way the country can truly be “bound in freedom,” as expressed in the National Anthem.