Rita Odafe
Peter Obi
Peter Obi, who was the Labour Party’s candidate for President in 2023, has brought attention to threats directed at him and some family members following a New Year message he shared on January 1, 2025.
This was communicated via his X account on the evening of January 6.
Obi expressed confusion over the reasons behind these threats, questioning the content of his message that would provoke such hostility towards him, his family, and close associates.
‘’Have I truly overstepped?
He raised this concern in light of threats regarding his safety and that of his family, emphasizing that one Mr. Felix Morka has even accused him of “overstepping” and warned of repercussions.
If he has genuinely crossed a line, he invites others to clarify it, asserting his dedication to maintaining proper conduct. Nevertheless, he refuses to be silenced in his commitment to honesty, particularly as the nation faces a decline into undemocratic practices.
According to Obi, there is a troubling shift towards authoritarianism, where freedom of speech is under attack.
He concluded with a call for divine assistance in fostering a better and more liberated society for future generations.
In his New Year message titled “Nigeria Needs Selfless And Exemplary Leadership,” Obi urged the government to implement “vigorous, positive actions” to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians, many of whom are losing hope.
He stated:
‘’Nigeria is among the leading poverty-stricken nations globally, with over 100 million people in extreme poverty and an additional 150 million grappling with multidimensional poverty. This issue has worsened over the last 18 months with the current government. Once the largest economy in Africa with a GDP of $574 billion and a per capita income exceeding $3,500 in 2014, Nigeria now ranks fourth on the continent, with a GDP that has plummeted to nearly $200 billion and per capita income barely at $1,000.
Security remains a severe concern, as Nigeria is recognized as one of the most unstable and dangerous countries, with many families displaced and residing in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. The Global Peace Index (GPI) ranks Nigeria 143rd out of 163 nations regarding peace, demonstrating widespread distress.
Food insecurity has become a pressing reality, placing Nigeria among the hungriest nations globally. The working and middle-class citizens now spend almost all their earnings on food, with many borrowing just to eat. Low-income earners and the unemployed face even more dire consequences. The recently set minimum wage of N70,000 does not cover even basic necessities like rice or beans. Consequently, many Nigerians go to bed hungry, with many depending on aid and charitable support, which has unfortunately resulted in preventable deaths. According to the 2024 Global Hunger Index, Nigeria ranks 110th out of 127 countries, highlighting a severe hunger crisis and food insecurity in the nation.
