“Nigeria Would Have Been Better Under Peter Obi” – Senator Abaribe

Nigeria Would Have Been Better Under Peter Obi – Senator Abaribe

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe has opened up fresh debates about the state of Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the senator boldly stated that Nigeria would likely be in a better position today if Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s candidate in the 2023 presidential election, had won.

Abaribe, who represents Abia South in the Senate, criticized the current government for what he described as blatant nepotism. According to him, nepotism is thriving under President Tinubu, with unfair appointments and policies that disregard the principles of equality and fairness.

“If Peter Obi had won, you probably would have seen a better Nigeria than what we are seeing today. Number one, he would not be as nepotistic as this government. It’s not in him,” Abaribe said.

Abaribe questioned Tinubu’s appointment of four ministers from Ogun State, while many other states received only one ministerial slot. He argued that this lopsidedness echoes the same pattern seen during Buhari’s tenure but has now worsened under Tinubu.

“Buhari towed the path of nepotism, but it deepened under President Tinubu because Buhari did it and nobody said much except me,” Abaribe lamented.

He urged the people of the South-East to stop waiting for fairness from the center and focus on developing their region. According to him, past presidents, except Obasanjo and Jonathan, have not been fair to the South-East, and the zone must unite to build a better, more livable, and cohesive environment.

On Simon Ekpa’s Arrest

The senator also addressed the recent arrest of Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed “Prime Minister of Biafra in Exile,” in Finland. Abaribe welcomed the arrest, describing it as a significant step toward reducing the violence in the South-East.

He noted that Ekpa’s influence from abroad has fueled v!olence back home. However, Abaribe said the Igbo people have always condemned the actions of Ekpa and others who attempt to incite chaos from the safety of foreign lands.

Nnamdi Kanu’s Release: A Path to Peace?

On the issue of violence in the South-East, Abaribe reiterated his stance that releasing Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), could help restore peace. He argued that many of those causing unrest under Kanu’s name would lose their justification if Kanu were freed.

“When Nnamdi Kanu is released, many of those perpetrating violence with his name won’t have any reason to continue,” he said.

The Bigger Picture

Abaribe’s comments throw more light on Nigeria’s current challenges, from political favoritism to regional marginalization and the ongoing unrest in the South-East. His call for a self-reliant and united South-East tallies deeply, especially among those who feel neglected by successive governments.

But perhaps the most striking part of his message is the longing for leadership that prioritizes fairness, equality, and the common good. For Abaribe, Peter Obi represents that kind of leadership—a vision many Nigerians may still hold on to as they go through the the realities of today.

The question remains: What can we, as citizens, do to create the Nigeria we dream of? That’s the biggest question.

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