Learn from Kenya Experience, Peter Obi Warns Nigerian Leaders

By Onoja Baba, Abuja, Nigeria

Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election and former governor of Anambra State, has issued a stern warning to Nigerian leaders, to draw lessons from Kenya’s recent political experience.

Obi emphasized that significant changes and sacrifices by political leaders are crucial for Nigeria’s progress and stability.

Highlighting the need for a departure from detrimental habits and ostentatious lifestyles, Obi called on Nigerian leaders to prioritize the welfare of the suffering masses over personal and political interests.

“If we make the necessary changes and make the needed sacrifices, a new Nigeria is possible!” he asserted in a recent post on his X account.

Obi stressed his unwavering commitment to national development, health, and education, noting that these areas are vital for the nation’s future.

He emphasized that true change and progress require sincere leaders who listen and act responsibly.

Drawing comparisons to Kenya, Obi pointed out how the Kenyan public demanded change when they felt their government was not making sufficient sacrifices.

In response, Kenyan President William Ruto demonstrated true leadership by addressing the people’s concerns, reducing unnecessary expenditures, and implementing measures to ensure fiscal responsibility.

“The Kenyan government cancelled budgets for the First Lady and Second Lady’s offices, dissolved 47 state agencies, suspended nonessential travel for government workers, froze the purchase of new cars for officials, and reduced the number of advisers by 50 percent,” Obi detailed.

He also highlighted President Ruto’s transparency in addressing allegations of chartering a plane to America, showing responsive governance.

Contrasting this with the situation in Nigeria, Obi criticized Nigerian leaders for often dismissing legitimate grievances and using public funds to silence dissent. “Instead of addressing legitimate concerns, and being accountable to the people, we resort to using public funds to pay media thugs to insult and abuse those who speak truth to power,” he lamented.

Additionally, during a visit to Grimard College of Nursing Sciences in Anyigba, Kogi State, Obi donated N10 million to support the training of nurses. He emphasized the importance of investing in health, education, and poverty alleviation, which he identified as critical areas for national development.

Obi concluded by highlighting the severe socio-economic challenges facing Nigeria, attributing them to a lack of investment in these critical sectors.

He called on political leaders to wake up, listen to the cries of the citizens, and demonstrate true leadership by making the necessary sacrifices for the greater good.