Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State and prominent Nigerian politician, has raised concerns about the state of democracy in Nigeria, describing it as “fast losing its essence” due to the alarming levels of poverty across the country.
In a post shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, Obi highlighted that over 100 million Nigerians are living in absolute poverty, while an estimated 150 million face multidimensional poverty. He emphasized that democracy is meant to address such fundamental issues, including health, education, and poverty alleviation, but it appears to be falling short.
“With about 100 million Nigerians living in absolute poverty and 150 million in multidimensional poverty, democracy is fast losing its essence if it fails to address the fundamental needs of its citizens,” he stated.
Call for Action
Obi urged Nigerian leaders to prioritize addressing poverty by strengthening independent institutions and ensuring governance delivers tangible economic progress. He posed critical questions about the effectiveness of democracy in meeting the needs of Nigerians:
“Is democracy truly addressing the needs of Nigerians? Are we building institutions that uphold accountability, justice, and fairness?”
He emphasized the need for a functional democracy that fosters active citizenship, empowers youth as agents of nation-building, and upholds justice and fairness through strong institutions.
Quoting Nelson Mandela
Referencing the late Nelson Mandela, Obi said, “As long as poverty, injustice, and inequality exist, none of us can truly rest.” He called for renewed efforts to deepen democracy and build a better future for Nigerians.
Amid growing political instability in Africa and the resurgence of coups in some countries, Obi stressed the importance of trust, robust institutions, and a steadfast commitment to the welfare of citizens for democracy to thrive.
The Way Forward for Democracy in Africa
Obi argued that democracy must transcend ceremonial elections and operate within its foundational principles. This, he noted, requires building institutions that command trust and deliver respect for the people’s will.
“Governance can only deliver tangible benefits when the will of the people prevails,” he added.
As Nigeria faces mounting challenges, Obi’s remarks serve as a wake-up call for leaders to take bold steps in addressing poverty and inequality to restore faith in democracy and ensure a better future for all.
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