Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, has delivered a sobering New Month message, declaring that the month of January exposed the deepening troubles confronting Nigeria across security, education, power supply and leadership priorities.
In a statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on February 1, Obi described January as “distressing,” warning that the developments of the past month offered a troubling glimpse into the challenges that lie ahead for the country.
“This first month serves as a critical measure of the challenges that lie ahead, and it is painfully evident that the situation in the country continues to worsen,” Obi said.
He raised serious concerns over the escalating insecurity nationwide, noting that January alone witnessed multiple killings, hundreds of kidnappings and abductions, including children, pregnant women and nursing mothers, with abductors demanding millions in ransom.
According to Obi, the persistent insecurity has continued to cripple agricultural activities, as many farmers remain unable to return to their farmlands, worsening food shortages and deepening rural poverty.
“Insecurity has surged alarmingly across the nation. Farmers remain unable to return to their farms, which exacerbates food shortages and rural poverty,” he stated.
The former Anambra State governor also lamented the state of education in the country, describing it as a tragic contradiction that schools remain shut in Abuja, Nigeria’s seat of power, while billions of naira are spent on projects with questionable priorities.
“Education stands as a cornerstone of national development, yet countless children remain out of school. This is particularly tragic in Abuja, where schools remain shuttered,” Obi said.
“This is the same Abuja where billions were squandered on renovating a conference centre for the president and bus terminals. One must question whether our leaders genuinely appreciate the vital role of education.”
Obi further criticised Nigeria’s failing power infrastructure, noting that the country with one of the worst electricity access rates globally suffered two national grid collapses within January alone, a development he described as unacceptable.
On governance and leadership, Obi questioned President Bola Tinubu’s prolonged foreign trips at a time of mounting domestic crises, revealing that the president spent 23 days abroad in January across two separate trips.
“While leaders in other nations prioritise domestic governance in January, Nigeria’s president prioritised international engagements over pressing national issues,” Obi said.
“What urgent matters continuously warrant his absence from the nation?”
He also took a swipe at the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the party of focusing more on political rallies and welcoming defectors than addressing Nigeria’s growing social and economic challenges.
“The collective impact of these events paints a grim portrait of a nation grappling simultaneously with insecurity, economic distress, failing infrastructure, and profound social upheaval,” Obi noted.
“Instead of confronting these urgent challenges head-on, much of the political class remains engrossed in power calculations and the next election cycle.”
Obi concluded by warning that Nigeria cannot afford governance distractions, stressing that leadership must urgently refocus on restoring security, stabilising infrastructure and improving the everyday lives of citizens.
