***says, a true Nigeria is possible if it’s leaders make sacrifices, needed changes
The Presidential Candidtae of the Labour Party in the 2023 General Election in Nigeria Peter Obi has challenged political leaders in the country to wake up and learn from the recent experience of Kenyan and demonstrate true Leadership by listening to the citizens
This is coming against the backdrop that Protesters stormed the Parliament of Kenya as gunshots rang out over a new bill to increase taxes.
Kenya’s President William Ruto under 24 hours rolled back the controversial tax reforms that he had championed in the face of public opposition, after mass protests turned violent a day earlier, leaving 23 people dead, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.
Obi while writing on his X-handle on Sunday said,
“We, the Nigerian political leaders, should take a strong lesson from the recent Kenyan experience. 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 explained that the government took several measures to reduce unnecessary expenditures and demonstrate fiscal responsibility, including canceling budgets for the First Lady and Second Lady’s offices, dissolving 47 state agencies.
He added that it also suspended nonessential travel for government workers, freezing the purchase of new cars for officials, and reducing the number of advisers by half.
“Another notable instance was when the president was accused of chartering a plane to America. Instead of dismissing the concerns, he responded transparently and addressed the issue.
The former Anambra Governor said
Ruto’s acknowledgment of the people’s demands exemplifies responsive governance.
“In contrast, we the Nigerian leaders, often arrogantly do the opposite to genuine grievances of our suffering citizens. 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.
According to him, 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 make the necessary changes and make the needed sacrifices, a new Nigeria is possible!”