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Peter Obi Attributes Nigeria’s Poverty To Choices
A presidential front-runner in African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi, has said the reason more than half of Nigeria’s population live below the poverty line, despite the country’s wealth of natural and human resources, is that they chose poverty.
Obi spoke while receiving the leadership of Association of Skilled and Vocational Artisans of Nigeria (ASVAN), led by its National President, Comrade Obijuru Everest, who paid him a courtesy call in Abuja.
According to a statement by his spokesman, Ibrahim Umar, Obi said, “We are poor because we have chosen to be poor. We give titles and front-row seats of honour to those who steal public funds, and yet we expect to grow.”
Obi recalled a conversation he had with political leaders in Indonesia, a country similar in size and population to Nigeria, which was now thriving due to its better leadership.
He recounted how the Indonesian leader advised him to combat the theft of public funds, invest in education and healthcare, and observe the positive outcomes as healthy, educated individuals contribute to the economy.
Obi emphasised that in every viable economy, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) drove growth, supported by a responsible and corruption-free government that created an enabling environment.
He stated, “Join the fight for a great Nigeria. Stop worshipping those who steal your money, stop giving them titles, and stand up for what is right. Vote, defend your votes, and help produce good leaders at all levels, from Councillorto President, and you will see the country change.”
Earlier, Everest said they had been following Obi’s journey and believed it was important to associate with and support his aspirations to lead the country towards progress.
