The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has condemned the escalating insecurity and hardships plaguing Nigeria, characterizing the nation as a “crime scene” desperately in need of restoration.
Speaking at the public launch of the book Obi: The Political Change Agent by Ike Abonyi in Abuja on Tuesday, Obi expressed his sorrow that, despite Nigeria not being officially at war, many Nigerians live as refugees both inside and beyond the country’s borders.
“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 called on Nigerians to actively take part in “dismantling this crime scene called a country,” cautioning that the existing system is both unsustainable and perilous.
“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,” he warned.
He condemned the nation’s priorities, highlighting that while government buildings are being refurbished and celebrations held, women keep dying in childbirth and millions of children are still denied education.
“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 stated.
The former Governor of Anambra State highlighted that a significant number of Nigeria’s challenges arise from inadequate leadership and insufficient value creation.
“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,” he said.
Obi supported the idea of currency devaluation but emphasized that corruption must be eradicated first.
“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 also expressed sorrow over the deterioration of Nigeria’s infrastructure, recalling a trip to Kafanchan where he didn’t spot a single trailer carrying goods—a clear indication, he said, of a failing and unproductive economy.
“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?”
Obi called for a fresh wave of leadership in the National Assembly, urging voters to choose leaders dedicated to peace and service rather than personal enrichment.
“We must not let those who seek to profit from politics prevail. If that’s your aim, you are part of the problem,” he asserted. “This time, we will vote. Every vote will count. We will be everywhere.”
He concluded by expressing gratitude to his supporters and encouraging them to stay steadfast in the mission of national transformation.
Earlier, Professor Sam Amadi, former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), praised Peter Obi as the ideal leader to lead the democratic revolution Nigeria needs.
“A successful revolution is measured by democratic values and diplomacy. Peter Obi has the profile, pedigree, personality, and passion required to drive this change,” Amadi said. He emphasized that while Nigeria faces significant challenges, they can be overcome through the right leadership, dedication, and shared sacrifice.
(Vanguard Newspaper)
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