Due to the country’s extreme inflation and famine problems, requests for accountability and openness from Nigeria’s leaders have increased. Prominent Nigerian politician Peter Obi has emphasized how important it is for elected politicians to speak with the public directly about important topics.
He said, “People we elected must tell us who has the refinery inside, why the refinery isn’t working.” This need for transparency is essential as the nation moves through these difficult times.
Peter Obi’s remarks highlight the urgent need for clarity in Nigeria’s oil production and distribution processes.
“We need to know how much oil we produce in this country, who is producing it, who is selling it. All these stories, whether somebody has a refinery outside or inside, is not the issue for us,” Obi explained.
The lack of transparency in the oil sector has long been a source of contention, and Obi’s call for information is aimed at ensuring that resources are managed efficiently and fairly.
Obi also emphasised the need for accountability and action in addressing the nation’s security challenges.
“All these stories we are hearing today, this is happening and everything, they must secure us. If we are at war, let’s declare war and everybody knows we are at war. There’s nothing wrong with us knowing that we are at war,” he stated.
By acknowledging the severity of the security situation, Obi believes that the government can take more decisive and effective measures to protect its citizens.
Furthermore, Obi criticised the continuous borrowing by the government without visible improvements in the country’s infrastructure and services.
“We can’t have a country where non-state actors and criminals have taken over and nobody is doing anything except every day we say we are going to borrow new money for this project, we are borrowing money for that. We need to fix things,” he asserted.
The reliance on borrowing has placed a significant burden on Nigeria’s economy, and Obi’s comments reflect the frustration of many citizens who see little progress despite increasing debt.
In his appeal, Obi urged all stakeholders to prioritise the country’s well-being and work towards sustainable solutions.
“So, all I’m appealing to you and your team, to all of you today, is please, this country is going through not just difficult times, but it is in terms of insecurity,” he concluded.
His call to action is a reminder of the collective responsibility to address Nigeria’s pressing issues and ensure a stable and prosperous future for all its citizens.