I have been utterly disappointed, reading tweets from @Jack_ng01 & @Chigozieialex in the last few days, joining Anambra state government on the calumny against Peter Obi.
Full disclosure - Jack is my friend (or maybe only me believes so), that's why I hardly ever come for him; I know firsthand his contributions in 2023.
However, it was such a shame seeing him join the bandwagon, and suddenly remembering that erosions have been 'running over Nanka.' He then subtly inferred that PO's government might have subverted money meant for his community. That left a bitter taste about his person.
This was what Jack quoted on the article I wrote about PO: "He visited my house to see my son.... sent me money for my wedding."
PO accorded you such respect, and you are online joining those who are maligning his reputation? Man, it speaks volume about you ooo!
Chigozie will rush and post pictures being behind PO, and next minute he is lampooning him that he has questions to answer.
You might think it is playing politics, but you people are showing that: "some young people like you two, really lack character."
Yes, they didn't tie your umbilical cords with PO, and no one expects you to hero-worship; but if you guys were decent human beings, you do know that your behaviour have been bottom barrel level.
See person wen be one of the first looters of Obidients mobilization money . 🫵🏿
You ungrateful swine, no make some of us disgrace you o. E be like you don dey mad!
Eat that Atiku Dollars in peace you crook!
Why This Septuagenarian Is Investing in Peter Obi’s Presidency
At 74, I have lived long enough to know the difference between politics as entertainment and politics as a matter of national survival.
I have watched Nigeria move from promise to disappointment, from abundance to scarcity, from hope to cynicism. I have seen governments come and go, heard magnificent campaign promises, watched politicians reinvent themselves at election time, and witnessed citizens repeatedly vote for the same failed political formula while expecting a different outcome.
That is why, as a septuagenarian, my support for Peter Obi's presidency is not an emotional investment. It is an investment in the possibility that Nigeria can still change the trajectory of its political leadership.
I am not investing in a messiah. Nigeria does not need one.
I am investing in competence, prudence, accountability, human capital and a different philosophy of governance.
I Have Lived Long Enough to Know That Time Matters
At my age, I cannot afford the luxury of pretending that Nigeria has unlimited time.
The young can perhaps afford another decade of experimentation with incompetent leadership. My generation cannot. We have already spent decades watching Nigeria squander opportunities that other countries seized.
We have seen countries that were behind us economically overtake us. We have watched nations without our oil, population, arable land and enormous human resources build functioning economies.
The question, therefore, is no longer whether Nigeria has potential.
The question is why we have consistently failed to convert that potential into prosperity.
For me, one major answer is leadership.
Why Obi?
My attraction to Peter Obi is fundamentally about his apparent understanding that government is not a theatre for political grandeur; it is an instrument for improving the lives of citizens.
His current campaign agenda places emphasis on education, healthcare, agriculture, energy, security, human capital development, production and institutional reform. He has also spoken repeatedly about reducing the cost of governance and insisting that public resources produce measurable value.
Those are not glamorous promises.
They are, however, the boring fundamentals upon which serious nations are built.
And after decades of watching Nigeria chase political spectacle while neglecting fundamentals, I have become particularly interested in the boring stuff.
Schools. Hospitals. Electricity. Roads. Agriculture. Manufacturing. Security. Jobs. Institutions.
That is where national development actually happens.
I Am Investing in a Philosophy, Not a Personality
Peter Obi is not infallible. I do not subscribe to the idea that because I support a politician, I must defend everything he says or does.
That is precisely the mentality Nigeria must escape.
I will support Obi where I believe he is right, question him where I believe he is wrong and demand accountability if he eventually occupies Aso Rock.
My support is therefore not a blank cheque.
It is a conditional investment.
The condition is simple:
«Give Nigerians government that works, and Nigerians will judge you by the results.»
Obi has also argued that four years should be sufficient for a serious leader to demonstrate whether his administration is capable of changing the country's direction.
I find that proposition particularly compelling.
Nigeria does not need another administration asking for eight years before Nigerians can see results.
We have waited long enough.
The Greatest Investment Must Be in Nigerians
And a president who understands that public resources belong to the people can begin restoring something Nigeria desperately needs:
trust.
My Septuagenarian Investment
So why is this septuagenarian investing in Peter Obi's presidency?
Because after 74 years, I have learned that the most expensive thing a nation can lose is not money.
It is time.
"People are being killed and deprived of their basic rights yet you want to continue as President. Tinubu Wallahi talahi you are going no where."
An Islamic Cleric laments.
1. Dad: Astute Importer.
2. Mom: Prof of Law. Lecturer. Former State Commissioner
3. Son: Honors Graduate of Mathematics from a Uni you can never dream attending
4. Come be Fine boy with clearly above average IQ
5. I’ve never applied to earn $1 from X
I’m not your type sir.
Much Ado about Kwankwanso Interview
Sometimes you guys should try and maintain some rigor in thinking. If you believe in zoning and say “Let the south finish its term and power should go back to the north in 2031”. What does that mean? It means that any southerner coming to the presidency will only serve for one term.
This man has been saying he will do one term only to keep faith with zoning, which is a critical element of Nigeria’s political stability. He is now doing what he promised and you are crying blue murder.
Before Peter Obi came out what stopped selfless Igbos from running for presidency? What? It is now you guys realize you have not been president for 100 yrs and must do 8 years?
Why cannot your great Igbo leaders like Emeka Ihedioha, Otti, Osita, Abaribe etc not run for presidency and do 8 yrs? Why are you lot begrudging Peter Obi for respecting the zoning arrangement?
He said he believes in zoning. Zoning requires that the north takes back power in 2031. If 4 years is too short for you, then come out and run for presidency and do 8 years.