By: Daniel Kanu
Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has attributed the US government’s designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) to leadership failure and mismanagement of resources.
According to Obi, the country’s insecurity issues are a consequence of incompetent and uncommitted leadership, as well as poor resource deployment.
Writing on his X handle on Monday, the former Anambra State governor said, “The recent pronouncement by the US government declaring Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ (CPC) and indicating possible military action should give every well-meaning Nigerian serious concern.
He emphasized that the situation could have been avoided with effective governance and leadership.
Obi noted that Nigeria is experiencing an unprecedented level of insecurity, with over 10,000 people killed since May 2023, citing Amnesty International.
He attributed the situation to leadership failure, the lack of competence, commitment, and patriotism on the part of the APC-led government.
Obi suggested diplomatic solution, urging both Nigeria and the US to work together through constructive diplomatic engagement to address the prevailing security concerns.
He harped on the importance of maintaining Nigeria’s strategic partnership with the US, committed to regional peace and security.
Obi called for urgent action to address the security challenges and ensure peace, truth, and justice reign in the country.
His X handle on Monday, reads as follows “The recent pronouncement by the US government declaring Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ (CPC) and indicating possible military action should give every well-meaning Nigerian serious concern.
“There is no doubt that Nigeria is experiencing an unprecedented level of insecurity with attendant carnage and the most shocking loss of lives and property.
“According to Amnesty International, over 10,000 people have been killed in Nigeria since May 2023 and as I have repeatedly lamented, the unwarranted and unprovoked killing of Nigerians is most condemnable, and all efforts must be made to bring it to a stop.
“It is equally important to state that the terrible situation is significantly avoidable with competent leadership and governance. While the insecurity did not start with the present government, what is most unfortunate is the lack and absence of competence, commitment, prudent use of resources, patriotism and passion on the part of APC-led government/leaders to effectively govern, galvanise and lead Nigeria where no one is unwarrantedly oppressed and killed, a Nation where peace, truth and justice reign!
“As democracies, Nigeria and the US have long been strategic partners committed to regional peace and security. That relationship should not falter. The present situation calls for constructive diplomatic and any other plausible engagement by both nations aimed at addressing the prevailing and disturbing security concerns. Both countries must work in concert and expeditiously towards that purpose.”
