The Digest:
Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has called on Nigerians to pray for the nation's political leaders, stating that politicians are the primary source of the country's challenges. Speaking at a Thanksgiving service marking Oyo State's 50th anniversary in Ibadan, Obi asserted, "We are the problem of Nigeria, no other person." He argued that Nigeria is not inherently poor but poorly governed and urged prayers for leaders to use public funds for the public good. Obi also commended Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for his governance approach and focus on building strong institutions over reliance on individuals.
Key Points:
- The statement represents a rare, self-implicating critique from within the political class, acknowledging their central role in national underdevelopment.
- It reframes Nigeria's crisis as a failure of governance and political morality rather than a lack of resources or external factors.
- The call for prayer seeks to invoke moral and spiritual accountability for leaders, alongside civic and electoral pressure.
- Public commendation of a sitting governor from another party suggests a strategic emphasis on governance performance over partisan loyalty.
- The message blends religious appeal with a political diagnosis, aiming to resonate with a populace deeply concerned with both faith and national direction.
Sources: TheCable, Punch Nigeria, Vanguard
