Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has raised alarm over what he described as an overwhelming wave of negative developments across Nigeria within just 10 days.
He attributed the situation to “collective leadership failures” that continue to fuel insecurity, disorder, and the breakdown of national institutions.
In a statement issued on Monday, Obi said the country was “drifting into avoidable chaos,” noting that the recent surge in violence and lawlessness should deeply concern all leaders.
“Over the past 10 days, Nigeria has witnessed an extraordinary level of disturbing news, a cascade of chaos, insecurity, and institutional collapse that should weigh heavily on the conscience of every leader,” he said.
He stressed that the country’s current challenges are not the result of fate but a direct consequence of weak and irresponsible governance.
“Every new day brings another tragedy, another reminder that our nation is sliding without competent, compassionate, and accountable leadership,” Obi added.
“We have watched a country endowed with resilient and hardworking people sink into preventable disorder.”
Obi listed several recent incidents that reflect the worsening security environment, including the killing of a Brigadier General, the abduction of 64 people in Zamfara, the kidnapping of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi, the attack on worshippers in Kwara, and the abduction of more than 300 schoolchildren and teachers in Niger State.
He also condemned the latest attack on women in Borno State, where female farmers were abducted by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters.
According to reports, 12 women were kidnapped in Mussa District, Askira-Uba Local Government Area, while returning from their farms on Saturday evening.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Nahum Daso, confirmed the incident, stating that an investigation had begun.
Obi criticised the culture of excuses and indifference among those in power, insisting that effective nations thrive on accountability and proactive leadership.
“No serious nation survives on excuses or absentee leadership. Nigeria is bleeding because those charged with protecting it have chosen convenience over courage and politics over people.”
He urged leaders to place competence, empathy, and responsibility at the centre of governance, emphasizing that leadership is a duty, not a title.
“To every Nigerian unsettled by the events of the past 10 days, I stand with you. You deserve peace. You deserve safety. Nigeria will rise again.”
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