By Sunny A. David, Awka
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has said Nigeria possesses the human and natural resources needed to become a prosperous nation, stressing that the major requirement is competent, honest and purposeful leadership.
Obi made the remarks while participating as a guest panellist alongside other presidential candidates and their representatives at the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association held at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The discussion focused on ways to rebuild Nigeria and make the country work for its citizens, particularly hardworking Nigerians who continue to face economic hardship.
Obi argued that the poverty and hunger experienced across the country were largely the result of years of mismanagement and corruption in the handling of national resources.
He maintained that Nigeria, given its abundant natural and human resources, should not be struggling with extreme poverty or relying heavily on imported food.
According to him, agriculture remains one of the sectors capable of transforming the Nigerian economy if supported by appropriate investment, sound policies and political commitment.
He specifically pointed to the vast agricultural land available in Northern Nigeria, saying it could play a major role in boosting food production, creating employment and generating wealth.
Obi noted that countries with fewer resources had successfully developed their agricultural sectors, insisting that Nigeria could equally feed its population, create millions of jobs and become a major food exporter.
On fuel subsidy removal, Obi reiterated his position that the subsidy system had been affected by corruption. He said his preferred approach would have been to first address the corruption surrounding the scheme, determine the actual cost of the subsidy and then introduce a carefully planned and phased removal.
He further argued that money saved from subsidy removal should be transparently channelled into priority areas such as agriculture, healthcare, education, poverty reduction and national security.
The former Anambra State governor said Nigerians should be able to see tangible improvements in their lives as a result of government policies, stressing that citizens should not be subjected to higher energy costs without corresponding improvements in living conditions.
He identified food security, healthcare, education, infrastructure, human capital development, security and national unity as key areas requiring sustained government investment.
Obi concluded that Nigeria’s challenges could be overcome if the country’s resources were properly managed by leaders committed to the common good.
“Nigeria has all it needs to prosper. What remains is competent, honest, and purposeful leadership that puts the common good above personal interests,” he said.
