Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has said Nigeria would be significantly wealthier if public office holders protected government funds and allowed them to generate interest in banks instead of mismanaging the country’s resources.
Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general elections, made the remarks during an interview with a radio station in Nasarawa State on Wednesday.
The former Labour Party presidential candidate spoke about public spending, accountability and his administration’s record in basic education, arguing that responsible management of public resources could have helped Nigeria accumulate substantial wealth.
“I wish everybody in this country left money in the bank; they have interest. Nigeria would have been so rich that we don’t know what to do with money,” he said.
Obi disclosed that the funds managed by his administration in Anambra State were kept in three different banks, presenting the arrangement as an example of prudent financial management.
He also criticised what he described as a culture of dishonesty in Nigeria, alleging that people who act with integrity are often targeted by those seeking to discredit them.
“Nigeria is a criminalised place. The criminals will always come together to show what the honest person did,” he said.
The former governor further argued that the country had developed a system in which honesty could be portrayed as wrongdoing, while criminal conduct was treated as acceptable.
“In Nigeria, to be honest is to be a criminal. To be criminal is to be honest,” Obi said.
READ ALSO: Peter Obi Condemns Harassment Of Supporters, Demands Olawale’s Release
He reiterated that Nigeria could have accumulated far greater wealth if successive leaders had protected public funds rather than diverting or mismanaging them.
Obi also explained why his administration did not frequently organise ceremonies or publicise government projects on television, saying the initiatives were funded with public money and their results should be evident to citizens.
“We did what we were doing with public money, so the public already see us working, so why are we going to do the ceremony or showing it on TV? Maybe I was wrong, but that was what happened,” he said.
On education, Obi defended his record as governor, insisting that Anambra State performed exceptionally well in basic education during his tenure.
“I was the best in education, basic education as a governor. You can go and check the records,” he said.
He cited a visit by Professor Paul Collier of the University of Oxford, whom he said toured several states to assess developments in education and witnessed significant improvements.
Obi maintained that education was a key indicator of development, arguing that his administration’s performance in the sector reflected the importance of accountability and responsible leadership in the management of public resources.