Emeka Emekesiri Advises Peter Obi to Abandon Political Ambitions in Corruption-Plagued Nigeria
As a portrait of Nigeria’s political landscape emerges from the mist of campaign promises and political rhetoric, an unexpected voice pierces through. Emeka Emekesiri, the founder of the Movement of Biafrans in Nigeria (MOBIN) and Chairman of the Governing Council of Customary Government of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has issued a provocative call that reverberates through the country’s political corridors. His subject: Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party.
Emekesiri’s message to Obi is stark and unsettling. He urges the presidential hopeful to abandon his political aspirations and return to his village. The reason is grim: Emekesiri believes Nigeria is ‘dead’, beyond resurrection due to widespread corruption and injustice.
From his perspective, Nigeria’s political system, along with institutions like the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary, are contributors to the country’s decline. They allegedly facilitate the rise of corrupt leaders to power, effectively fueling the country’s terminal descent.
The controversial ascent of President Bola Tinubu is a prime example cited by Emekesiri. Despite accusations of criminality and falling short of constitutional requirements, Tinubu was declared the winner, a victory Emekesiri attributes to systemic corruption.
A Plea for Local Impact
Emekesiri’s radical advice to Obi, a successful businessman, is to abandon the political arena and channel his skills and resources towards his local community. In his view, Nigeria’s salvation is a lost cause, and any efforts spent would be fruitless. Instead, Obi’s influence and success could trigger tangible change on a smaller, more manageable scale.
His call reflects a deep disillusionment with the state of Nigeria and a belief that the country is beyond reviving. It’s a sentiment shared by many Nigerians, disheartened by the pervasive corruption and injustice, and the seeming incapacity of institutions to address these problems.
The Profound Echo of Frustration
Emekesiri’s views, while extreme to some, echo the sentiment of many Nigerians frustrated with the state of their nation. They point to a loss of faith in the political system, as corruption and injustice remain rampant, with little to no accountability or reform.
His call for grassroots change, for individuals like Obi to focus on their local communities, is a response to this disillusionment. It is recognised that while larger-scale solutions may be elusive, smaller, local changes can still make a difference.
Ultimately, Emekesiri’s advice to Obi is an expression of profound frustration with the state of Nigeria. While his views may be considered extreme, they resonate with a pervasive sentiment in Nigeria. His call for local change, for grassroots solutions over national politics, suggests a glimmer of hope amidst the pervasive despair.
