Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has declared that poverty in Nigeria is a direct result of poor leadership and mismanagement of the country’s abundant resources, stressing that Nigerians have no business living in hardship given the nation’s wealth.
Obasanjo made this remark on Friday during a dinner held in his honour by the Abia State Government at the Government House in Umuahia.
The elder statesman did not hold back in his criticism of Nigeria’s leadership over the years, emphasizing that the country’s challenges are self-inflicted.
“Nigerians have no business with poverty because God has given us all that we need,” Obasanjo stated. “If we are mismanaging what God has given us, we do not have God to blame, we have ourselves to blame.”
He hailed the ongoing reforms and development projects of Abia State Governor Alex Otti, commending the wide public approval of his performance since assuming office. The former president described Otti’s leadership as a model worthy of replication across the nation.
“If Nigeria had 18 governors doing well in their responsibilities as leaders, we will build the country up,” Obasanjo added, stressing the importance of effective governance in tackling national problems.
Reaffirming his lifelong commitment to the welfare of Nigerians, the ex-president said, “Whether you greet me or not, what is important to me is that the people of this country are getting what they deserve — and that is good governance.”
Obasanjo also revisited a moment from his presidency, recalling how he advised then-Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, about a national railway development plan that had been forgotten. He said he urged Amaechi to dig into the archives to revive the blueprint that aimed to connect every state capital by rail.
“I believe that even if you don’t like me, if I have advice to give, I will give it,” he said pointedly.
Governor Alex Otti, in his remarks, acknowledged the role Obasanjo played in supporting good leadership and appreciated his visit to the state.
Otti spoke on the importance of vision and resilience in politics, recounting how he stayed committed through a 10-year political battle.
“It took us ten years to get here. The two elections we contested in 2015 and 2019 were clearly won but stolen. Many gave up, but I was sure I heard clearly from God,” Otti said.
He highlighted his administration’s reforms in the education sector, aimed at improving access to quality learning across the state.
Also speaking at the event, former Minister of Transport Rotimi Amaechi called on Abia’s political leaders to begin early mobilization ahead of the 2027 elections. He warned that good governance is often only appreciated after it is lost and urged the people to support visionary leaders like Otti.
“In your case,” Amaechi said to Obasanjo, “no matter who becomes president, you have always stood out. We must not only protect what we have but prepare for 2028 to continue this democratic success.”
Other dignitaries at the dinner, including Chief Ginger Onwusibe, representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency, and Sen. Darlington Nwokocha, acting National Secretary of the Labour Party, echoed praises for Obasanjo’s legacy and Governor Otti’s developmental strides.
They lauded the equitable spread of infrastructure and reforms across Abia’s local government areas and affirmed their commitment to sustaining the progress achieved under Otti’s leadership.
Stay tuned to ConfirmNews for updates on national leadership, governance, and development across the federation.