The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi has criticized President Bola Tinubu for making light of the poverty situation in Nigeria.
Recall that the president had on Monday told the national assembly delegation who paid him during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration that Nigeria is not the only country plagued by poverty.
“Yes, there is poverty; there is suffering in the land. We are not the only people facing such, but we must face our challenges,” he said.
Reacting to the president’s remark on his X on Friday Obi said the problems facing Nigeria are well-known to all.
He said Nigeria has all the negative ratings including being 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.”
He described as “disheartening” that those in charge, who were hired to address our problems, make statements like “we are not the only ones struggling with poverty and hunger.”
He urged “those in leadership positions to offer tangible solutions, not mere reminders that others face similar challenges.”
He said the Nigerians “need a comprehensive approach to tackle our specific challenges, not generalizations that dismiss our experiences.”
The post reads: “The problems facing Nigeria are well known to all Nigerians. 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’s 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. 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. 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.”
