By Shafi'u Saleh The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election and former Governor of Anambra State...
By Shafi'u Saleh
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election and former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration, accusing it of self-deceit by fostering mass poverty and expecting progress.
Obi made these remarks during his keynote address at the 16th Annual Founder’s Day ceremony and the 20th-anniversary celebration of the American University of Nigeria (AUN) in Yola on Saturday.
The former governor lamented Nigeria’s decline over the past decade, attributing it to poor, incompetent, and unsympathetic leadership. He argued that poverty exacerbates national crises and unrest, asserting that no meaningful development can occur in such conditions.
Drawing comparisons with countries of similar population size and diversity, Obi highlighted how purposeful and visionary leadership has propelled nations like Indonesia and India forward, while Nigeria has regressed.
“For a fair analysis, I considered countries with large populations and diversity like Nigeria. In 2014, Indonesia had a GDP of $890 billion and a per capita income of $3,475. India’s GDP stood at $2.39 trillion with a per capita income of $1,560, while Nigeria’s GDP was $574 billion, with a per capita income of $3,200,” Obi explained.
He continued: “In 2024, Indonesia's GDP has grown to $1.445 trillion, with a per capita income of $5,200. India's GDP has reached $3.89 trillion, with a per capita income of $2,678. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s GDP has dropped from $574 billion to $220 billion, and per capita income has declined from $3,200 to $1,000. Life expectancy in these countries is above 65 years, while Nigeria’s remains at 53.”
Obi argued that Nigeria’s challenges stem from leadership deficits, stressing that effective leadership requires competence, capacity, compassion, and the ability to listen.
During his visit to the Almajiri department of AUN, Obi interacted with children, shared a meal with them, and pledged to support their education.
“If we work honestly and do the right thing, we can put the 20 million out-of-school children back into classrooms. Education is the most critical tool for development, and we cannot afford to leave these children behind. I am inspired by what I have seen here,” Obi emphasized.
Obi concluded his address by urging leaders to adopt people-centered policies, invest in education, and prioritize the welfare of Nigerians. He reiterated that lifting citizens out of poverty is essential for national growth and stability.
The event served as a platform for Obi to advocate for transformational leadership, underscoring his commitment to tackling the systemic challenges hindering Nigeria’s progress.
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