The National Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has blamed Nigeria’s persistent challenges on poor leadership and the actions of politicians.
Obi spoke on Sunday during an appearance at the Koinonia Global of Apostle Joshua Selman, where he called on Nigerians to pray for political leaders and for a change in their approach to managing public resources.
The former Anambra State governor said Nigeria itself was not the problem, arguing that the country’s difficulties stem largely from those entrusted with leadership.
“I believe that people like you are the ones keeping our country. The only thing I can ask all of you who are gathered here, because I know he’s praying for the country, is that you remember us, the politicians, in your prayers,” Obi said.
We are the problem of the country. There’s nothing wrong with Nigeria. What is wrong in Nigeria is the leadership, the politicians God created in this country.”
He appealed to the congregation to pray for political leaders to develop the commitment to channel public funds towards improving the lives of citizens.
“Let God touch our hearts to use public money for public good. Let God touch us to stop stealing. That is why people are suffering here,” he said.
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Obi maintained that Nigeria could make significant progress if its vast resources were properly invested, saying effective use of the country’s wealth would help tackle several challenges confronting citizens.
“If we use the wealth of this nation and invest it, it will go a long way. So remember us in your prayers,” he added.
Drawing from his experiences in other countries, Obi said he had seen nations where systems function effectively, attributing the difference largely to the quality of leadership.
“I’ve been to so many countries of the world. And I’ve seen things work in other nations. It is leadership,” he said.
He also urged Nigerians to pray for political leaders collectively rather than supporting some and condemning others based on political affiliations.
“Don’t say one is good, the other one is bad. All of us, remember all of us in your prayers, because the problem of the country can be solved. I assure you of that,” he said.