The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has lamented the absence of visionary leadership in Nigeria, citing the country’s persistent struggles with poverty, insecurity, hunger, poor education, and infrastructure challenges.
Obi, in a statement on Friday, lamented that Nigeria has become the “poverty capital of the world,” with widespread insecurity, hunger, and poor education quality, resulting in the highest number of out-of-school children and high infant mortality rates.
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He also decried the country’s high corruption perception index, unemployment, and income gap between the rich and the poor.
Obi stated, “The problems facing Nigeria are well-known to all Nigerians. We are the poverty capital of the world, among the most insecure people on earth, among the hungriest, have poor education quality and the highest number of out-of-school children, high infant mortality, corruption, unemployment, the highest income gap between the poor and the rich, high corruption perception index, infrastructure and healthcare challenges, and more.
“It is disheartening to hear those in charge, who were hired to address our problems, make statements like ‘we are not the only ones struggling with poverty and hunger.’ Instead of merely acknowledging that other countries face similar challenges, we need to hear a thorough plan of action to tackle our unique struggles.”
Obi’s statement comes amidst President Bola Tinubu’s recent comment that Nigerians are not the only ones facing poverty in the world.
The president’s spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, quoted him as saying that it is imperative for Nigerians to have a change of value system for the nation to make progress.
Tinubu said, “Yes, there is poverty; there is suffering in the land. We are not the only people facing such, but we must face our challenges.”
However, Obi did not mention any names, but his response is seen as a direct criticism of the president’s stance.
Obi expressed disappointment in leaders who downplay Nigeria’s challenges by comparing them to global problems rather than offering concrete solutions.
He noted that a true leader provides direction, guidance, solutions, and reassurance in times of crisis.
The former governor of Anambra State also urged leaders to provide a thorough plan of action to tackle the country’s unique struggles and “not mere reminders that others face similar challenges,” noting the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses specific challenges.
Obi added, “We require concrete solutions and a clear vision to address these issues, not comparisons that downplay our circumstances. I urge those in leadership positions to offer tangible solutions, not mere reminders that others face similar challenges. We need a comprehensive approach to tackle our specific challenges, not generalisations that dismiss our experiences. A true leader provides direction, guidance, solutions, and reassurance in times of crisis.
“This is the hallmark of visionary leadership and a trait of nations that are making progress and advancing their development. They don’t simply state the obvious but offer a roadmap for overcoming obstacles.
“Just like a pilot, who doesn’t just announce turbulence; they assure passengers that they will do everything possible to ensure a safe journey. Only then can we begin to trust that our country is in capable hands, working towards a brighter future for all Nigerians.”
