Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over the insensitivity of Nigeria’s political leadership after an emotional encounter with an elderly woman struggling with unpaid pensions and medical bills.
Obi, who was on an official visit to Shanahan College of Nursing Sciences, Nsukka, recounted how he noticed the distressed woman trying to get his attention despite efforts to silence her. Upon hearing her story, he learned that she was a retired civil servant who had dedicated her working years to serving the country but had not received her pension for a while.
Writing on his X-handle, he said to make matters worse, she had been hospitalized for over a week and lacked money for food.
Moved by her plight, Obi criticized the government for neglecting pensioners, calling it an act of wickedness to withhold payments from vulnerable elderly citizens. He emphasized his past actions as governor, where he cleared over N30 billion in unpaid pensions and gratuities to alleviate the suffering of retirees in Anambra State.
“I felt a surge of anger and pity. Anger at leaders like me who, out of greed, have made life unbearable for others, and pity for the elderly woman and many like her, whose voices remain unheard,” Obi stated.
He provided immediate financial assistance to the woman and assured her of follow-up with the hospital. However, he stressed the urgency of addressing similar cases nationwide, advocating for a compassionate system where all citizens receive their rightful dues.
“This nation must work for all. Everyone deserves to reap the rewards of their productive contributions. A New Nigeria is Possible,” Obi declared.
His remarks have reignited discussions on pension reforms, the welfare of senior citizens, and the need for ethical governance in Nigeria.