Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has expressed concern over the United States government’s declaration of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC).
Obi blamed the All Progressives Congress-led Nigerian leadership for the current situation, adding that APC leaders lacked “competence, commitment, prudent use of resources, patriotism and passion, to effectively govern, galvanise and lead Nigeria.”
The former governor, who stated this in a statement on Monday shared on X, noted that the pronouncement should give every Nigerian serious concern, particularly in light of the country’s escalating insecurity and loss of lives.
According to Obi, Nigeria is experiencing an unprecedented level of insecurity, with attendant carnage and loss of lives and property.
Citing Amnesty International, he stated that over 10,000 people have been killed in Nigeria since May 2023. Obi condemned the unwarranted and unprovoked killing of Nigerians, calling for an end to the violence.
“There is no doubt that Nigeria is experiencing an unprecedented level of insecurity with attendant carnage and the most shocking loss of lives and property.
“According to Amnesty International, over 10,000 people have been killed in Nigeria since May 2023 and as I have repeatedly lamented, the unwarranted and unprovoked killing of Nigerians is most condemnable, and all efforts must be made to bring it to a stop,” he said.
Obi attributed the security situation to poor leadership and governance, emphasizing that competent leadership and governance could have prevented the crisis.
“It is equally important to state that the terrible situation is significantly avoidable with competent leadership and governance. While the insecurity did not start with the present government, what is most unfortunate is the lack and absence of competence, commitment, prudent use of resources, patriotism and passion on the part of APC APC-led government/leaders to effectively govern, galvanise and lead Nigeria where no one is unwarrantedly oppressed and killed, a Nation where peace, truth and justice reign!”
He urged the government to take concrete steps to address the security concerns and promote peace, truth, and justice.
The former governor also highlighted the strategic partnership between Nigeria and the US, calling for constructive diplomatic engagement to address the prevailing security concerns.
He emphasised the need for both countries to work together expeditiously towards resolving the crisis.
“As democracies, Nigeria and the US have long been strategic partners committed to regional peace and security. That relationship should not falter. The present situation calls for constructive diplomatic and any other plausible engagement by both nations aimed at addressing the prevailing and disturbing security concerns. Both countries must work in concert and expeditiously towards that purpose.”
