Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed dismay over the persistent poverty in Nigeria, stating that the country’s economic struggles are rooted in poor leadership and mismanagement of its abundant resources.
According to The PUNCH, Obasanjo speaking during a dinner hosted in his honour by the Abia State Government at the Government House in Umuahia on Friday, stressed that Nigeria possesses all it needs to thrive but suffers from self-inflicted challenges.
“Nigerians should not be living in poverty. God has richly blessed this nation with resources,” Obasanjo stated. “If we continue to suffer, it’s not God’s fault but our own doing through mismanagement.”
The former president praised Governor Alex Otti for his administration’s performance in Abia State, noting the widespread public approval of the government’s policies.
“You’re doing well, and I encourage you to keep it up,” he told the governor. “If 18 governors across Nigeria could demonstrate such dedication, we would be building a much stronger nation.”
Obasanjo, who reiterated his concern for the nation’s development, said his focus remains on the welfare of Nigerians, regardless of personal relationships or politics.
“I’m not bothered about greetings or social formalities. What matters is that the people receive good governance—they deserve nothing less,” he added.
He also shared a past experience with former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, recalling how he had to direct him to consult archival documents regarding Nigeria’s national railway development plan.
“When you were Minister for Transport, I had to inform you that we already had a comprehensive railway plan designed to connect every state capital,” Obasanjo said. “Though you got parts of it right, there were areas that needed improvement.”
Governor Otti, in his response, acknowledged Obasanjo’s consistent support and counsel, recounting the long and challenging journey to his electoral victory.
“It took us a decade to get here. We contested and clearly won the elections in 2015 and 2019, but the results were manipulated,” Otti explained. “Despite the setbacks, I remained steadfast because I was confident of the vision God gave me.”
The governor highlighted ongoing reforms in the education sector aimed at expanding access to quality education across the state.
Former Minister Amaechi, also present at the event, urged political stakeholders in Abia to begin early preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections. He noted that the impact of good governance is often only appreciated after a less competent administration takes over.
“Obasanjo’s legacy stands out no matter who leads the country,” Amaechi said. “Abia must not take good leadership for granted. We need to plan now to ensure continued progress and success by 2028.”
In their separate remarks, Chief Ginger Onwusibe, the federal lawmaker representing Isiala Ngwa North and South, and Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Acting National Secretary of the Labour Party, lauded the governor for equitable development across the state’s local government areas.
They also thanked Obasanjo for his enduring support of Governor Otti’s administration and for his commitment to Nigeria’s democratic and developmental growth.
