BY Abdulsalam Abdullah
Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, says it is disheartening to hear those in charge juxtapose Nigeria’s challenges with those of other nations.
On Monday, President Bola Tinubu said Nigeria is not the only nation in the world grappling with poverty.
The president spoke in Lagos when he received a delegation from the national assembly who came to felicitate with him on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir.
“Yes, there is poverty; there is suffering in the land. We are not the only people facing such, but we must face our challenges,” Tinubu said.
Reacting in a post on his official X page on Friday, Obi said the problems facing Nigeria are well known to all citizens.
Obi called on the federal government to provide concrete solutions to the country’s numerous challenges, rather than simply acknowledging that other countries face similar problems.
The former Anambra governor said a true leader provides direction, guidance, solutions, and reassurance in times of crisis.
He expressed disappointment that those in charge are instead making statements that downplay the severity of the situation.
“The problems facing Nigeria are well-known to all Nigerians,” Obi wrote.
“We are the poverty capital of the world, among the most insecure people on earth, among the hungriest, have poor education quality and the highest number of out-of-school children, high infant mortality, corruption, unemployment, the highest income gap between the poor and the rich, high corruption perception index, infrastructure and healthcare challenges, and more.
“It is disheartening to hear those in charge, who were hired to address our problems, make statements like ‘we are not the only ones struggling with poverty and hunger’.
“Instead of merely acknowledging that other countries face similar challenges, we need to hear a thorough plan of action to tackle our unique struggles.
“We require concrete solutions and a clear vision to address these issues, not comparisons that downplay our circumstances.
“I urge those in leadership positions to offer tangible solutions, not mere reminders that others face similar challenges.
“We need a comprehensive approach to tackle our specific challenges, not generalizations that dismiss our experiences. A true leader provides direction, guidance, solutions, and reassurance in times of crisis.”
Obi called on leaders to provide a roadmap for overcoming obstacles and to work towards a better future for all Nigerians.
“This is the hallmark of visionary leadership and a trait of nations that are making progress and advancing their development. They don’t simply state the obvious but offer a roadmap for overcoming obstacles,” he added.
“Just like a pilot who doesn’t just announce turbulence, they assure passengers that they will do everything possible to ensure a safe journey.
“Only then can we begin to trust that our country is in capable hands, working towards a brighter future for all Nigerians.”
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