The former presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has raised strong concerns about the direction Nigeria is heading, stating that the country is experiencing a wave of distressing developments that should alarm all leaders and citizens. Okay News reports that Obi released a detailed statement on Monday describing what he termed a pattern of “unprecedented negative news” witnessed across Nigeria within a short period.
In his message, Obi explained that the atmosphere in Nigeria over the past ten days has been deeply troubling. According to him, the series of violent attacks, widespread insecurity, and rising cases of institutional failure should serve as a wake-up call for those in public office. He noted that the issues confronting the country are not the result of fate but stem from longstanding leadership gaps.
He stated, “The past 10 days in Nigeria have witnessed unprecedented negative news, a level of chaos, insecurity, and institutional decay that should trouble the conscience of all the leaders. Our country is now going through troubling times, not by fate, but by our collective leadership failures that allow insecurity, lawlessness, and institutional decay to thrive.”
Obi further explained that the consequences of poor governance are now unfolding daily, and these incidents continue to shake citizens who are hoping for stability. He added, “Each day confronts us with a new tragedy and a new reminder that our beloved country is drifting amid a clear absence of competent, compassionate, responsive, and responsible leadership. We have all watched a nation blessed with people of strength and resilience drift into avoidable disorder.”
The former governor highlighted several violent events recently recorded across the country. These include the killing of a Brigadier General, the mass abduction of sixty-four civilians in Zamfara State, the seizure of twenty-five schoolgirls in Kebbi State, an attack on worshippers in Kwara State, and the kidnapping of more than three hundred schoolchildren and teachers in Niger State.
He also expressed grief over another disturbing attack in the North East. Obi said, “I received yet another devastating report about the abduction of 13 female farmers in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State today by suspected Boko Haram over Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists.”
Security sources in Borno State confirmed that twelve women had been abducted in Mussa District of Askira-Uba while returning from farmlands around 5:00 pm on Saturday. The State Police Public Relations Officer, Commissioner Nahum Daso, acknowledged the incident and noted that a full investigation had been initiated by the command.
Obi lamented that governance in Nigeria has become weakened by excuses and indifference. He warned that nations do not thrive when leadership avoids responsibility. He emphasized, “No serious nation survives on excuses, indifference, or absentee leadership. Nigeria is bleeding because those elected to protect the nation have chosen comfort over courage, politics over people, and power over purpose.”
He urged decision-makers to embrace integrity, capacity, and a sense of duty, stating that government is not merely a position but a responsibility to safeguard lives and communities. According to him, Nigerians deserve peace, protection, and reassurance.
He concluded by saying, “To every Nigerian shaken by the events of the past 10 days, my heart is with you. You deserve safety. You deserve peace. Nigeria must rise again.”
