. . . Calls for reflection of actions, conscience on International Day of Conscience

By TINA TIMOTHY

While joining the rest of the world to mark the International Day of Conscience, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi has called for a reflection of “our actions and conscience as human beings”.

On his verified X handle @PeterObi, on Friday, April 5, 2024, Obi quoted world’s greatest philosopher, Socrates, as saying that “an unexamined life is not worth living”, and further called for a reflection of the “words and actions of iconic leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela, whose unwavering commitment to justice and equality has left an indelible mark on the world”.

“On this day, the global community marks the International Day of Conscience. I would like us to reflect on our actions and conscience as human beings. As the world’s greatest philosopher, Socrates, profoundly said, “an unexamined life is not worth living” also reflects on the profound words and actions of many iconic leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela, whose unwavering commitment to justice and equality has left an indelible mark on the world, and thus draw veritable lessons from them as a nation,” Obi wrote.

The former Anambra state governor also described the leadership at all levels in Africa and especially Nigeria as “marked by incompetence, unbridled corruption, gross selfishness, utterly uncaring attitude,” and implored all to “let our collective conscience prick us to make sacrifices for the ultimate progress of the nation.”

He continues: "In Africa, and particularly in Nigeria, the struggle for conscientious leadership has been a journey marked by incompetence, unbridled corruption, gross selfishness, utterly uncaring attitude of we the leaders, at all levels, to the grace God bestowed on us to serve society.

“Obviously, the greatest challenge devilling Nigeria is the challenge of leadership. Today’s commemoration therefore should remind us to revive our conscience as a people and understand that we must prioritise the development of the nation and well-being of the people, above our individual selfish interests. Let our collective conscience prick us to make sacrifices for the ultimate progress of the nation.

“In the words of Gaylord Nelson, “the ultimate test of a man’s conscience is his willingness to sacrifice something today for the future generation whose words of thanks will not be heard”.

He urged all to draw inspiration from global iconic leaders and their tireless pursuit of justice, freedom, adding that “our sacrifices today, in conscience and truth, is our assurance of New Nigeria which is Possible!”

“As we commemorate this day, may we draw inspiration from global iconic leaders and their tireless pursuit of justice, freedom, and equality. Let us reaffirm our commitment to upholding the principles of conscience in our own lives and in the world around us.

“Together, we can build a future where every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the opportunity to thrive and fulfil their potential. Our sacrifices today, in conscience and truth, is our assurance of New Nigeria which is Possible!”, he added.