Following the recent presidential election, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, expressed his displeasure with the actions of many Nigerian leaders. During an appearance on Arise TV, he aired his thoughts, noting a troubling trend among some politicians.
Obi argued that some leaders in Nigeria engage in wrongdoing because they lead a life based on deception. He specifically pointed out instances where political figures manipulated their academic records by resorting to certificate forgery to secure their positions in government. In his opinion, these actions reflect a falsified existence.
The former governor of Anambra State also stressed that academic qualifications should not be the sole criteria for assuming leadership positions. Instead, he emphasized the importance of leaders being forthright about their backgrounds and qualifications. Obi noted that there have been notable world leaders, both past and present, who did not possess high academic qualifications but were honest about their credentials.
Obi’s statement underscored the significance of leaders behaving with honesty, truthfulness, honor, and integrity. He argued that these values form the bedrock upon which a just and stable society can be built.
Furthermore, he drew attention to the prevalence of issues related to certificate forgery, age falsification, and other forms of dishonesty among Nigeria’s political leaders. He suggested that such practices undermine the ability of these leaders to make sound decisions and act in the best interest of the nation.
Obi pointed to the example of Abraham Lincoln, widely regarded as one of the greatest American presidents, who did not have a formal education due to his impoverished background. Lincoln’s remarkable leadership demonstrated that one does not need numerous degrees to be considered great. However, he stressed that it is essential for leaders to be transparent and honorable about their pasts.
It is worth noting that several governors, lawmakers, and even the president in Nigeria are currently embroiled in legal disputes concerning discrepancies in their academic records. These legal battles have raised questions about the credibility of the nation’s leadership.