The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, on Wednesday said there was nothing wrong with Nigeria adding that what the country needed was competent, capable and compassionate leaders.
Mr Obi stated this while speaking at the opening session of the Methodist Church Nigeria’s 50th/15th Biennial Conference in Ibadan.
According to the NDC presidential candidate, Nigerians should stop deceiving themselves about the country’s challenges as the nation’s greatest problem remained leadership.
“There is nothing wrong with Nigeria.The only thing wrong with Nigeria is leadership. We have enough land to cultivate the food we need. We have enough human capital to develop like any nation,“ he said
Mr Obi added “We have enough natural resources to generate enough revenue.There is absolutely nothing lacking in this country except responsible leadership.”
“The World Bank has stated that millions of Nigerians are facing active hunger. It should never be so.Bangladesh produces almost ten times more rice than Nigeria despite occupying a far smaller land area. Israel exports food, yet Sambisa Forest alone is about three times the size of Israel. Our problem is not land. Our problem is leadership.”
Mr Obi accused Nigerian politicians of placing personal enrichment above national development, saying “We politicians do not want to do anything apart from stealing public money, even money we do not need. That is our problem.”
While tasking governments to invest heavily in agriculture, education and healthcare rather than waste public resources, Mr Obi said, “we need leaders who have competence, capacity and compassion. We must move Nigeria from consumption and stealing to production and value creation.”
Governor Seyi Makinde while speaking said Nigeria’s challenge was not a lack of talent or resources but the quality of leadership.
The governor stressed that faith in God must go hand in hand with responsible leadership, andthat public office holders at every level must create a just and equitable society.
“Our nation does not lack talent. It does not lack resources. What Nigeria needs now more than ever is leadership that brings people together around a common purpose and the courage to place service above self,” he said
Gov Makinde added, “Those entrusted with leadership must ensure a fair and just society. We must pursue peace. We must seek and stand up for truth, just as the Prelate demonstrated in his address”.
“We must ensure opportunities that allow every child, regardless of background, to realise their God-given potential.”
Stressing that public office was a call to service rather than privilege, he said “leadership is not about privilege. It is about responsibility. It is measured not by the promises we make but by the lives we improve.”
The Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr Oliver Ali Aba while speaking called on the Federal government to address the rising cost of living in the country saying it continues to affect education, healthcare and businesses across the country.”