Nigeria Must Reclaim Its Dignity Through Truth And Moral Leadership —Peter Obi
FORMER Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has called on Nigerians to confront the moral decay, leadership failure, and social injustice that have pushed the nation to what he described as “a point of disgrace before the world.”
Speaking at an interactive session with members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) in Abuja, Obi said that Nigeria’s loss of global respect was not due to what others say but because of what citizens and leaders have allowed to persist in the society.
“Our disgrace is not defined by what others say, but by what we allow to persist. When a people sell their votes, they sell their conscience, and when conscience dies, the nation follows,” he declared.
Referencing a recent comment by U.S. President Donald Trump, who allegedly referred to Nigeria as a “now disgraced country,” Obi said such criticism should not provoke anger but deep introspection.
“Rather than taking offence, we must ask why such a perception exists — the killings, corruption, poverty, and the impunity that have become our daily reality,” he stated.
He lamented that over 130 million Nigerians live in poverty, 20 million children are out of school, and the country ranks among the most insecure and hunger-stricken nations in the world.
“We have surpassed India and China in infant mortality even though our population is a fraction of theirs. How can we be proud of that?” Obi queried.
Obi stressed that national restoration must begin with moral rebirth and responsible governance. He challenged leaders to focus on human development — especially education, healthcare, and poverty reduction — as the foundation for rebuilding Nigeria’s dignity.
Recounting his recent visits to nursing and health institutions across Anambra and Enugu states, Obi described the dire conditions of students and facilities as “a tragic reflection of misplaced priorities.”
“In Agulu, classrooms had been burnt down, and children were learning under the rain. That is what truly disgraces us before the world,” he said, pledging to mobilize resources to rebuild the school by January 2026.
He also condemned the monetization of elections, recounting how voters in his hometown openly declared they would vote for whoever paid them.
“If I spent ₦10 million to buy 200 votes, or used the same money to rebuild a burnt school, which is better for our society? I would rather lose ten times than buy votes once,” Obi said.
Obi urged editors to uphold their responsibility as the conscience of the nation by shaping truthful narratives, exposing injustice, and holding leaders accountable.
“You are not just recorders of history; you are its custodians. The role you play can either restore our nation’s dignity or deepen its moral decline,” he told the Guild.
He concluded by urging Nigerians to rebuild their moral foundation, demand accountability, and prioritize the nation’s collective honour above temporary gain.
“If we rebuild our values and insist on justice, Nigeria will no longer be called a disgraced country but a nation of dignity and purpose,” Obi said.
