Former Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, has expressed serious concern over the recent designation of Nigeria by the United States government as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC), warning that the development should worry every well-meaning Nigerian.
Obi, in a statement reacting to the U.S. pronouncement and subsequent reports suggesting possible military action, lamented that the alarming rate of insecurity across the country had reached unprecedented levels, with thousands of lives lost in avoidable circumstances.
Quoting Amnesty International, Obi said over 10,000 people have been killed in Nigeria since May 2023, describing the situation as “most condemnable” and urging the government to take decisive measures to end the carnage.
“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. The unwarranted and unprovoked killing of Nigerians is most condemnable, and all efforts must be made to bring it to a stop”, Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor noted that while the problem of insecurity did not start with the current administration, it has worsened due to what he described as a lack of competence, patriotism, and prudent management of national resources by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government.
“What is most unfortunate,” he added, “is the lack and absence of competence, commitment, prudent use of resources, patriotism, and passion on the part of APC-led leaders to effectively govern, galvanize, and lead Nigeria where no one is unwarrantedly oppressed and killed—a nation where peace, truth, and justice reign.”
Obi’s statement came shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin was quoted as saying, “Forgiving terrorists is God’s job. Sending them to Him is my job,” in apparent criticism of Nigeria’s approach to terrorism, where several arrested insurgents have been pardoned or integrated into the army as so-called repentant Boko Haram members.
