The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has voiced serious concerns over the growing insecurity, poverty, and suffering across Nigeria, describing the country as a “crime scene” urgently in need of fixing
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday at the public presentation of Obi: The Political Change Agent, a book written by Ike Abonyi, Obi lamented that although the country is not officially at war, many Nigerians live as if they are refugees both within and outside the country.
“Today in Nigeria, we’re not officially at war, yet Nigerians are living in IDP camps in their own country. Nigerians are refugees in Chad, in Cameroon. And the only reason is because we don’t have a government that cares for them,” he said.
Obi warned that the current system is on the brink of collapse, adding that both the rich and poor will suffer if urgent action is not taken.
He drew parallels with crisis situations in Beirut and Afghanistan, stating that conflicts do not discriminate.
“Some people are dancing while the ship is sinking. When it finally goes down, it will consume everyone — rich or poor. I’ve seen this before in places like Beirut and Afghanistan. Crisis does not discriminate,” Obi cautioned.
The former Anambra governor also criticized the misplaced priorities of government, noting that while public funds are being spent on renovating offices and throwing parties, basic needs such as healthcare and education are being neglected.
“We use public resources to paint offices and build mansions, while women die trying to give birth. According to a recent report, one woman dies every seven minutes in Nigeria during childbirth. That’s what we want to dismantle,” Obi said.
He blamed Nigeria’s growing poverty on a leadership failure and lack of value creation, accusing those in government and business of enriching themselves at the expense of the people.
“Our leaders in government and business are producing poverty. When people hoard money without creating value, they are fueling poverty. A functional economy must be built on the exchange of real value,” Obi added.
Obi also highlighted the collapse of Nigeria’s transport infrastructure, citing his visit to Kafanchan where he saw no trailers transporting goods — a sign of an unproductive economy, according to him.
“Colonial masters built railways to move goods — cotton, granite, ginger. Today, they’re gone. We have no trains, no trailers, nothing. And we wonder why people are hungry?” he stated.
Calling for a new kind of leadership, Obi urged Nigerians to vote for leaders who are genuinely committed to national development rather than personal gain.
“We must not allow people who want to make money from politics. If that’s your goal, you are part of the problem. This time, we will vote. The votes will count. We will be everywhere,” he said.
Earlier at the event, former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Professor Sam Amadi, described Obi as the leader capable of bringing about a democratic revolution in Nigeria.
“A successful revolution is defined by democratic civilization and democratic diplomacy. Peter Obi possesses the profile, pedigree, personality, and passion to lead this change,” Amadi said.
He added that though the country’s problems are many, they can be overcome with the right leadership, commitment, and collective sacrifice.
On the issue of fuel subsidy and currency devaluation, Obi explained that while he supports the removal of subsidies, it must be done after addressing corruption.
“Yes, I support removing fuel subsidy, but only after removing the criminality in the system. If we build confidence in the market and clean up corruption, the naira will stabilize. It’s happening in Ghana and Angola — why not here?” he said.
Obi also highlighted the collapse of Nigeria’s transport infrastructure, citing his visit to Kafanchan where he saw no trailers transporting goods — a sign of an unproductive economy, according to him.
“Colonial masters built railways to move goods — cotton, granite, ginger. Today, they’re gone. We have no trains, no trailers, nothing. And we wonder why people are hungry?” he stated.
Calling for a new kind of leadership, Obi urged Nigerians to vote for leaders who are genuinely committed to national development rather than personal gain.
“We must not allow people who want to make money from politics. If that’s your goal, you are part of the problem. This time, we will vote. The votes will count. We will be everywhere,” he said.
Earlier at the event, former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Professor Sam Amadi, described Obi as the leader capable of bringing about a democratic revolution in Nigeria.
“A successful revolution is defined by democratic civilization and democratic diplomacy. Peter Obi possesses the profile, pedigree, personality, and passion to lead this change,” Amadi said.
He added that though the country’s problems are many, they can be overcome with the right leadership, commitment, and collective sacrifice.
