The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has pinpointed poor planning and bad leadership as the principal causes of Nigeria’s current challenges.

Speaking at a colloquium and Hall of Fame event honoring the National Chairman of the party, Julius Abure, Obi emphasized the need to prevent embezzlement of public funds and ensure their productive use for the betterment of the nation.

The event was organized by the Edo Policy Round Table in conjunction with Mudiame University, Irrua, and held in Benin City.

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In his address, Obi maintained that Nigeria’s problem is not inherent but rather stems from a lack of effective planning and leadership.

He asserted, “There is nothing wrong with Nigeria. The country has one of the best in terms of land, weather, God-given resources, and people.

If we have a better Nigeria, Edo state will be better. One thing God has not given Nigeria is leadership; if we have a good leader, we will do better.”

Obi underscored the necessity of curbing financial malpractice in public offices, stating that misappropriation of public funds should not be celebrated and must be prevented.

Furthermore, he urged Nigerians to unite in rebuilding the country for the benefit of future generations.

The guest speaker at the event, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, observed that, at 63 years, Nigeria is still in search of a new political order.

He attributed the country’s failure to attain its dream of independence to the influence of ethnicism, religion, and politics, which have also impacted the stability of democratic governance and national development.

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Julius Abure, the National Chairman of the Labour Party, highlighted the upcoming Edo gubernatorial election scheduled for September 2, 2024.

He emphasized the need for the state to choose a governor with the capability to unite people and develop the state while harnessing its resources for the greater good.

Abure also outlined the party’s focus areas, including wealth creation, poverty eradication, security, local government administration, education, health, and infrastructure development.

Professor S. E. Eromosele, the Chancellor of Mudiame University, lamented the dire situation in Edo state characterized by poverty, hardship, and underdevelopment.

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He called for a government that prioritizes people-centered policies, emphasizing that citizens should be integral to the policy-making process.