Obi Of Onitsha To Politicians: Nigeria Cannot Survive If Continued Exploitation Continues

The Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty Nnaemeka Achebe, has called on politicians and leaders to prioritize the nation’s interests over personal gains if Nigeria….READ MORE…

is to overcome its current challenges and thrive.

Senator Chris Anyanwu’s book, Bold Leap, the Obi warned that the increasing corruption in Nigeria, likened to over-exploiting a cow, would soon lead to the country’s collapse if not addressed. He expressed concern over the political class’s lack of commitment to accountability and good governance, equating it to continuously milking a cow without ensuring its sustainability.

The book presentation saw prominent figures including former Presidents, Senate Presidents, Governors, and business leaders. President Bola Tinubu’s representative, Minister of Special Duties Zaphaniah Jisalo, alongside former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, as well as the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, graced the event.

The Obi of Onitsha warned, “If we keep milking the cow, it will die. Since independence, we’ve been talking and talking, but now it’s time to act. We either continue exploiting the nation for personal or sectional interests, or we prioritize Nigeria above all else.”

He emphasized the urgency, stating, “Time is running out. We must choose whether we’ll hasten the destruction or swiftly turn the country around.”

Dr. Kayode Fayemi, former Ekiti State governor, criticized the current political system, calling it “electorialism” instead of true democracy. He urged a shift towards a national consensus and a clear vision for the country’s future. He also underscored the need for a national dialogue on the country’s direction in the coming decades.

Several other speakers, including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and Dr. Aminu Gamana, echoed concerns over weak institutions and the need for societal reorientation. Abaribe cited a case where a convicted official embezzled billions but faced minimal consequences. Gamana added that without proper value reorientation, the electorate would continue to make poor decisions.

The event underscored the shared sentiment that Nigeria must urgently rethink its leadership and political structure to avoid a dire future.