Peter Obi Laments Economic Downturn, Calls For Ethical Leadership

Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the recent election, has emphasised Nigeria’s leadership deficiencies, echoing Professor Chinua Achebe’s sentiments.
He contended that Nigeria’s problems stem from a severe leadership deficit, not a lack of resources.
Obi made these remarks during Rtn. Au. Nkemdili Nnonyelu’s installation as Rotary International’s 8th District Governor, District 9142, at the Awka International Conference Centre.

Obi noted that, despite Nigeria’s abundance of resources, the country’s global standing has deteriorated, owing primarily to poor governance. He argued that Nigeria’s problems are the result of a severe leadership deficit rather than a lack of resources.

According to The Punch, Obi provided a detailed analysis of Nigeria’s economic trajectory, highlighting a concerning decline. Nigeria’s economy grew by less than 3% in 199 but increased to more than 5% in 2019. However, the country’s per capita income has dropped from $3,200 in 2014 to $1,087 now.
“This economic downturn has resulted in Nigeria having the highest number of homeless people worldwide, with over 130 million Nigerians living below the poverty line, a figure that has risen significantly over the last eight years.

These dire conditions, according to the former governor, are the result of poor leadership that lacks ethical, visionary, competent, and compassionate qualities. Obi warned of long-term consequences, such as a heavy burden of debt repayments beginning in 2040 that would fall on future generations.

He criticised the government’s mismanagement, citing examples such as overpriced contracts and a growing backlog of abandoned projects. Obi also emphasised the widespread theft of Nigeria’s oil resources, drawing attention to the difficulties faced by companies such as Dangote’s, with over 70% of Nigeria’s oil already mortgaged.

Obi emphasised Nigeria’s ability to be self-sufficient in food production, contrasting it with the current situation, in which even war-torn Ukraine continues to supply grains to Nigeria. He blamed the displacement of Nigerian farmers on insecurity, which was caused by incompetent and corrupt leaders.

Obi also criticised the purchase of a drone worth $5 million that was bought for $25 million, citing it as an example of the country’s ongoing corruption and mismanagement.

Obi also urged Nnonyelu and his team to play an active role in resetting Nigeria’s trajectory. He advocated for a return to a full parliamentary system of government, which would provide greater accountability and transparency, particularly in terms of public borrowing and expenditures.

Obi emphasised the importance of leaders who prioritise people’s well-being over personal gain and urged the Rotary community to lead the way in this transformation.

Senator Ben Obi, the event’s chairman, praised Rotary International for its dedication to selfless service and humanitarian work. He was proud to be associated with Rotary, describing it as the world’s leading humanitarian organisation that does for people what they cannot do for themselves.

He urged the government to prioritise hunger relief and improve the standard of living for all Nigerians.

Rtn. Nnonyelu, the newly appointed District Governor, expressed gratitude and a strong sense of responsibility as he began his new role. He outlined Rotary’s annual focus areas, which include water and sanitation, basic education, economic development, and maternal and child health.

He emphasised Rotary’s commitment to these causes, citing the organization’s values of fellowship, integrity, diversity, service, and leadership.

Nnonyelu announced several ambitious projects, including building toilets in public primary schools, providing classroom desks and chairs, assisting vulnerable widows and promoting maternal and child health.

He called for community support to achieve these goals, emphasising that Rotary’s efforts benefit the entire community, not just its members.

In conclusion, Nnonyelu encouraged everyone to join Rotary, emphasising the importance of lending a helping hand and collaborating to better their communities.

He expressed confidence that with the help of Rotarians and the community, they could achieve their lofty goals for the year, unleashing the “Magic of Rotary” in an irresistible way.

Numerous dignitaries attended, including Governor Charles Soludo.