Peter Obi laments the futility of past heroes’ efforts

DDM News

Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has expressed deep frustration, stating that the efforts of Nigeria’s past heroes have been rendered meaningless.

Obi made these remarks on May 7, 2025, during the Memorial Lecture for the late elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, held in Abuja.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that Obi reflected on the struggles of leaders like Clark, who fought tirelessly for a better nation but never lived to see the vision fulfilled.

According to Obi, Clark, one of Nigeria’s distinguished leaders, spent his life advocating for a better nation but passed away before witnessing the realization of the vision he fought for.

Obi reflected on the untold sacrifices of leaders like Clark, who spent their years struggling for a prosperous and fair Nigeria, only to see the country falter due to corruption, criminality, and failed leadership.

Speaking candidly, Obi lamented the current state of the nation, emphasizing that the challenges faced by Nigerians today contradict the hopes and dreams of past leaders.

He cited the high levels of poverty and the prevalence of malnutrition among children as examples of the country’s deepening crisis.

Obi pointed out that the World Bank recently reported that 75% of Nigerians in rural areas are living in poverty, a stark reminder of the nation’s neglect of its people.

He also referenced a report by UNICEF, which revealed that Nigeria now has over two million malnourished children, ranking second highest in the world.

“Is the World Bank demarketing Nigeria? Is UNICEF demarketing Nigeria?” Obi asked, questioning the idea that speaking the truth about Nigeria’s issues equates to tarnishing the country’s reputation.

Obi reiterated that past leaders’ hard work and sacrifices for the country’s betterment now seem in vain due to the country’s failure to uphold democratic values and good governance.

He emphasized that Nigeria is no longer a democratic nation.

“We are not a democratic country,” Obi declared, highlighting the erosion of democratic principles under the current political climate.

Obi also condemned the recent electoral irregularities, citing the recent election in Edo State as a prime example.

Describing the election as the “most undemocratic,” Obi pointed out that it was widely known who had won, yet the election results were contested.

“If everybody knows who won the election, why are we allowing such a miscarriage of justice?” Obi questioned.

Obi continued to emphasize that Nigeria’s current state reflects the destruction of everything past leaders and citizens had worked for.

“The country people sacrificed for has turned into a crime scene,” Obi said, describing the rampant corruption and theft that now define the country’s political landscape.

He expressed a sense of urgency, calling on Nigerians to act boldly and take responsibility for restoring the country to its former glory.

“We must do something,” Obi urged, stressing the importance of courage in the face of adversity.

In his concluding remarks, Obi paid tribute to the late Chief Edwin Clark, praying that God grant him eternal rest.

He also called on the nation to find the strength to rebuild and honor the vision Clark and others had for a better Nigeria.

Obi’s poignant address highlighted the disconnect between Nigeria’s founding ideals and the current state of affairs, urging citizens to reflect on the sacrifices made by past leaders and continue the fight for a fairer, more democratic nation.

His comments resonate deeply with the ongoing struggle for better governance and greater accountability in Nigeria.

Obi’s call to action serves as a reminder to all Nigerians to fight for the country they desire and to honor the legacy of those who sacrificed for it.

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