By Oyinkansayo Wole-Bodunde.
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, has made a bold statement about the state of Nigeria’s government.
Speaking at Nexford University’s 4th graduation ceremony, Obi declared that the country has become a “crime scene” with widespread corruption.
Obi emphasized that the problem of corruption goes beyond the typical “yahoo boys” stereotype, saying, “When we talk about vices, don’t think it’s just the yahoo boys on the streets. The truth is, there are more yahoo people in government than outside it because we’ve turned the entire country into a crime scene, with people both inside and outside stealing.”
He stressed the importance of strong character and integrity in leadership, noting that creating a better society requires moral values and the courage to do what’s right. “It’s not rocket science, but it’s not easy. It’s about having a strong character and resisting the temptation to do wrong,” Obi said.
Obi urged the graduates to become catalysts for positive change, saying, “You’ve gained knowledge today. Use it to help change society. You’re victims of a system where past generations have failed to do what is right, and now you’re bearing the consequences.”
Oby Ezekwesili, former minister of education, also addressed the graduates, emphasizing the importance of service and leadership. “Service is the highest form of leadership. See this graduation as an opportunity to serve, whether in your workspaces or in the country at large. The world of work today is vastly different from what it used to be, and you must master it,” she said.
