Nigeria in crisis: Peter Obi’s solution, the only solution

I will begin with a simple story. In 2021, a news alert went viral across traditional and social media platforms, detailing Peter Obi's monumental N1 billion donation to Nigeria's efforts to contain the deadly COVID-19 pandemic that was ravaging the world at the time.

Whoever instigated that narrative may have done so with nefarious motives, such as obtaining a cruise, seeking influence, or simply cornering the former governor of Anambra State. Conversely, the individual may have possessed the benevolent intent of endorsing the former governor, who had attained widespread recognition by that time through his campaign as the vice presidential nominee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in opposition to the then-presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, who had previously served as vice president.

The individual may have believed that associating Obi with such a substantial donation would portray him favourably as a philanthropist similar to the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, whose reputation for benevolence and public spirit was said to have facilitated numerous opportunities for him during his campaign for the presidency of Nigeria (which he would have achieved had the military not nullified the 1993 presidential election).

So, give or take, it may have been for the reasons listed above or something else. Nevertheless, what seemed peculiar both then and now was Obi's instantaneous refutation of the story. He unequivocally denied doing so, in contrast to the majority of politicians who, whether truthful or not, would have embraced the story for the apparent benefit of portraying them as, first, affluent enough to donate such a sum voluntarily for public use, or as humanitarians with a golden heart.

What further is there? Comparable in value to Aliko Dangote, the wealthiest man in Africa, he allegedly contributed the identical sum for the identical objective. Which politician would not capitalise on this opportunity to shine? However, not Obi. Instead, he issued the following wish in a statement through his spokesman at the time, Valentine Obienyem, regarding those who were contributing under the alias Ca-COVID: "Well."

However, are you aware of what? Obi established his own intervention programme during the same week. Supervising the procurement of essentials for the aforementioned COVID-19 initiatives and their dispersal to target groups with funds from his personal account, he practically observed every step of the process from beginning to end.

What consequence did that have? As with other Nigerian public institutions, the Ca-COVID initiative, which amassed more than N21 billion at the most recent tally from the enormous contributions of individuals, banks, and organisations, became entangled in controversy and a multitude of questions arose due to the opaque manner in which the enormous funds were managed.

Ultimately, the lofty aspirations that emerged from the raucous discussions surrounding the construction of infrastructures, acquisition of machinery and medicines, and concurrent initiatives for testing, isolation, and treatment centres vanished without a trace. Nevertheless, Obi's approach emerged as a benchmark for efficacy and productivity.

Although nobody came forward to attest to the benefits of the former, there were numerous photographs and videos depicting those who benefited from Obi's modest endeavours. Based on the image at his disposal, it appears that he expended a considerable amount of the N1 billion that was purportedly his contribution. This enormous financial investment, however, constituted only a small portion of the Ca-COVID endeavour. However, the distinction was evident in relation to the outcome.

The rationale for this result should be evident to even the most naive individual. It merely alludes to the fact that the traditional proverb that a goat fed by the public typically perishes of starvation is true, given that no one accepts responsibility.

This is precisely the ailment that plagues Nigerians. In reality, the governance of Nigeria ought to be regarded as an individual concern. Leadership individuals should possess the mental foresight and capability to meticulously examine the entirety of the nation's daily operations. Put simply, it is imperative that Nigeria is governed by a leadership that not only embodies the appropriate national sentiments and emotions, but is consistently present and engaged.

This has been lacking for quite some time, particularly since the notorious administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, during which he was more of a presidential absence than an actual one. At first glance, it seemed that Buhari's sole aspiration was to be sworn in as president; thereafter, everything else seemed to fall into place. Those who had engaged him to transport them to the Presidential Villa in Abuja assumed control.

Due to his deteriorating health conditions and his decision to lead the most narrow-minded and nepotistic government possible, which effectively transformed the Villa into a Fulani province, the nation descended into a state of chaos, with auctioneers selling nearly everything. The situation was made even more dire by a submissive National Assembly, which vowed to never question his actions while performing the yeoman's duty. Loan approvals were regarded as routine procedures, notwithstanding the fact that they were secured in fiat currencies under occasionally absurd and even comical stipulations. Subsequent generations of Nigerians will be required to repay loans that essentially expanded their capabilities.

Sadly, the tradition has persisted even under Tinubu's leadership. The notion held by numerous Nigerians that appeasement politics consisted solely of expressing benevolent sentiments to pacify Buhari has now materialised in every respect. In this instance, loans are procured to fulfil the insatiable lust for enjoyment of the new leaders.

The havoc caused by the Betta Edu controversy have abruptly ceased, and the foulness and unsightliness emanating from the can of worms appear to have vanished or scurried away. As with every incident of this nature during the Buhari administration, the situation has returned to normal. Those in the know could assure you that all the dramatis personae involved in that ominous encounter will inevitably return to their initial positions or even ascend to a higher echelon.

For this reason, even Buhari's most ardent detractors, who had fervently hoped to see him return from the villa, are now questioning whether they should not have wished for his hasty return to Daura. Who could have conceived or anticipated that the Buhari era could be surpassed in any way? It is difficult to fathom a scenario in which the Naira, which was pegged at N400 per dollar less than a year ago, would appreciate to over N1,500. Who could have predicted this gradual decline from Buhari's critical condition to Tinubu's fatal condition?

What, however, might have been accomplished otherwise? Straightforward solution: the Peter Obi method. Obi declared vehemently and from the beginning that production and more production are the answers to Nigeria's current crisis; thus, his slogan – "from consumption to production." He repeated to those who were unable to hear that the vast land in the north, which is currently a wilderness, would be converted into a vast agricultural enclave. Who is contemplating or discussing that?

Now, picture the N5 billion that was set aside for Tinubu to buy a presidential yacht being used to import high-yielding cows from Mexico so that farmers in Borno alone may use them to generate milk and meat. The outcome should be observed if that is replicated in ten additional Northern states. One might contemplate the fiscal ramifications of cultivating five million palm seedlings annually in each of the five states comprising the South East over the course of the following four years.

Consider the potential contributions that Nigeria could make with the allocation of foreign-borrowed funds towards the establishment of machinery for potato chip production in Jos, cocoa seedlings in the South West, processing factories for finished products such as chocolate and beverages intended for export to neighbouring countries, or mango canning facilities in each local government in Benue, Nasarawa, or Taraba. Such investments would be preferable to the purchase of exotic automobiles by Tinubu and his wife.

Consider the magnitude of foreign exchange that might have been conserved had Tinubu abstained from the current excessive waste and frivolity that has accompanied his administration. Even a perfunctory examination of the 2024 budget would suffice to explain why Nigeria is in its present predicament. Imagine the abhorrent anecdotes that would emanate from the villa.

Peter Obi insists that the National Assembly will never be permitted to acquire N160 million worth of exotic vehicles for the purpose of navigating the poor highways of Nigeria. He would instead repair the infrastructure. In this situation, Obi will not appoint fifty ministers at once. Not to mention his wife, Obi will not borrow money to purchase automobiles for himself. With 500 individuals, Obi will never travel within or outside the country. Obi will not lead a government in which N4 billion is spent to verify programme beneficiaries for the alleviation of poverty.

Yes! Obi will exhibit resolute determination and accept no justification for the indiscriminate destruction perpetrated within the nation by bandits or terrorists. This has hindered individuals from accessing their agricultural lands and participating in other significant routine tasks. The uninterrupted extraction of petroleum from the Niger Delta will not be tolerated by Obi. He will interrogate and close every possible vulnerability. The nation's haemorrhaging will be stauled by him.

During his campaigns for the position, he made precisely this commitment. Not only did he explicitly declare his intention, but he also made a firm commitment to carry out his promise. Nigeria could be saved by an individual who was capable of accomplishing the same level of development in Anambra State as he did in the nation as a whole while conserving an enormous N75 billion and refusing to relinquish it to his successor.

That individual has successfully overcome the fundamental ailment that plagues Nigeria, which is avarice. Self-interest or the desire to conceal the ambitions of one's family, friends, associates, and allies from the public. The primary cause of the current crisis in Nigeria is this inability on the part of Buhari to accomplish this, which is further supported by the distinct indication that Tinubu is also failing.

Obi may currently be regarded as a mere metaphor. Per se, it might not be him. The template is present, however. Begin by personally reducing your weight by relinquishing worldly desires, such as the aspiration to possess the most luxurious structures, travel in the most luxurious vehicles, or amass wealth surpassing that of Elon Musk. Subsequently, alleviate the burden of governance through population management and reduced food consumption. Such shall the design be.

Aside from that, Obi has stated that he is more concerned with the functioning of Nigeria than with achieving presidency. Thus, even Tinubu could have employed the blueprint set by Peter Obi; in doing so, he would have achieved the New Nigeria that everyone desires, as opposed to succeeding Buhari as the worst President of Nigeria, as is becoming increasingly apparent daily. Lacking justification?