By Onoja Baba, Nigeria
Former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has expressed deep concern over the rising number of school abductions across Nigeria, noting that the issue no longer attracts the kind of national and international outrage that followed the 2014 Chibok girls kidnapping.
In a statement on Friday, Obi who has emerged as the 2027 Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate recalled how the abduction of the Chibok girls triggered a global movement and the #BringBackOurGirls campaign that placed significant pressure on the government.
He contrasted this with the current situation, stating that under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight years in office, Nigeria recorded about ten school abductions, while under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, in just three years, over ten such incidents have already occurred.
Obi questioned whether Nigerians have become desensitised to insecurity, asking if repeated tragedies have led to a situation where what once shocked the national conscience is now treated as normal.
He criticised those in power for appearing more focused on political calculations and preparations for the next election than on addressing the urgent challenges of insecurity, poverty, and hardship facing millions of citizens.
The former presidential candidate acknowledged that persistent insecurity, economic difficulties, and leadership failures have damaged Nigeria’s international reputation, with some observers describing the country as a “Now Disgraced Nation.”
While rejecting any attempt to define Nigeria solely by its current problems, he stressed that the solution lies in competent, compassionate, and accountable leadership genuinely committed to the welfare and security of the people.
Obi called on Nigerian youth not to become indifferent or normalise failure.
He urged them to take back their country, ending the statement with his signature optimism, “A New N
igeria is Possible.”
categories
recent posts
NIGERIA: Sowore Defends Himself In Court, Seeks Judge’s Recusal In Cybercrime Trial
