The 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi has called on Nigerian Political leaders to take a strong lesson from the recent Kenyan experience.
Obi took to his social media platform on Sunday to lash at the Nigerian leaders for not yeilding to the genuine grievances of the suffering citizens, instead resort to using public funds to pay media thugs to insult and abuse those who speak truth to power.
According to him, “When the Kenyan public realized that their government was not making sufficient sacrifices and prioritizing resources effectively, they spoke out, demanded change, expressed their dissatisfaction, and protested.
“In response, the President demonstrated true Leadership by listening to the people’s demands and acting accordingly, recognizing that government should be driven by the needs of the citizens, not by our own consumption agenda”.
He added that Kenyan Government took several measures to reduce unnecessary expenditures and demonstrate fiscal responsibility, including canceling budgets for the First Lady.
“And also Second Lady’s offices, dissolving 47 state agencies, suspending nonessential travel for government workers, freezing the purchase of new cars for officials, and reducing the number of advisers by half”, the ex-Governor pressed further.
The LP Presidential Candidate also gave another notable instance which was when Kenyan President, William Ruto was accused of chartering a plane to America, adding that instead of the President dismissing the concerns, he responded transparently and addressed the issue.
Peter Obi said this acknowledgment of the people’s demands exemplifies responsive governance but contrarily, the Nigerian leaders, would often arrogantly do the opposite to genuine grievances of their suffering citizens.
He explained further that, “Instead of addressing legitimate concerns, and being accountable to the people, we resort to using public funds to pay media thugs to insult and abuse those who speak truth to power.
“We, the Nigerian Leaders, must abandon these detrimental habits, stop the feasting, and start making sacrifices for the greater good of our suffering masses.
“True change and progress will require leaders who are sincere, willing to listen, act responsibly, and prioritize the welfare of the people over personal or political interests. If we makes he necessary changes and make the needed sacrifices, A new Nigeria is possible”, the former Governor said.
