As the 2023 Presidential election draws near, all eyes are on the candidate, Peter Obi, who has emerged as a beacon of hope for many Nigerians, particularly the youths.
The former Anambra State Governor Obi has garnered both admiration and apprehension from the public.
There are those who view him as an outsider to the political class, even though he has a good understanding of the political landscape in Nigeria, in spite of his two successful tenures as governor.
Despite facing negative predictions from some members of the opposition, Obi has remained steadfast in his quest to become the next President of Nigeria. With just one day left until the election, several polls have projected Peter Obi as the likely winner. If these projections come to fruition, it will undoubtedly be a significant moment in Nigerian political history. The country has been plagued by political turmoil and corruption for years, and many are looking to Obi as a potential agent of change.
Obi’s willingness to take bold action, even if it means risking his own social status, is what attracts many people to him. However, this same quality makes some members of the political class uncomfortable with the idea of him becoming president. They fear that his government will put an end to the corrupt practices that have been draining Nigeria’s resources for far too long.
It is essential to note that the road ahead will not be an easy one for whoever emerges victorious in the election. The challenges facing Nigeria are vast and complex, and it will require a leader with both vision and skill to address them effectively.
The 61-year-old candidate has highlighted key issues facing Nigeria and outlined his plans to address them.
One of the most pressing issues facing Nigeria is the rampant police brutality that has been widely reported, even after the EndSARS campaign two years ago.
Police Brutality:
Police brutality has been a persistent problem in Nigeria, and EndSARS campaigns over the years has brought it to the forefront of national consciousness. However, reports of police brutality have continued to emerge, highlighting the need for long-lasting reforms.
Peter Obi has promised to address police brutality by apologising to victims and ensuring that it never happens again. He has also promised to train the police force on proper policing and prevent harassment of citizens. This approach is consistent with the recommendations of the Presidential Panel on Police Reform in Nigeria, which called for increased training and accountability for police officers.
Obi’s promise to create a peaceful country where security agents will no longer be used for harassment is a welcome prospect for Nigerians who have long suffered from police brutality. However, it remains to be seen whether he can implement his reforms if elected.
Unemployment:
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria’s unemployment rate reached its highest value in 2021, with around 33.3% of the population unemployed or underemployed. The high rate of unemployment has been a persistent problem in Nigeria, leading to widespread poverty and social unrest.
Peter Obi has promised to address the issue of unemployment by creating an enabling environment for business and moving Nigeria from consumption to production. He has also promised to develop the gas sector to generate more revenue than oil and support the youth for enterprise.
Obi’s proposed solutions are consistent with the economic diversification plans of the current government, which aims to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on oil revenue. However, critics have raised concerns about the government’s ability to implement these plans effectively, given the persistent challenges facing Nigeria’s economy.
Terrorism:
Terrorism has been a major security crisis in Nigeria, with Boko Haram and other extremist groups launching attacks on civilians and security forces. The Nigerian government has struggled to contain the crisis, leading to widespread insecurity in the country.
Peter Obi has promised to address the root causes of terrorism, including poverty, unemployment, and injustice. He has also promised to engage agitators and insurgents in dialogue to address their grievances through a carrot and stick approach.
Obi’s approach is consistent with the recommendations of experts who have called for a holistic approach to addressing the crisis, including addressing the underlying causes of extremism. However, critics have raised concerns about the government’s ability to negotiate with extremist groups and the potential risks of rewarding them for their actions.
Corruption:
Corruption has been a persistent problem in Nigeria, with reports of corrupt practices in the public and private sectors. The military procurement process has been particularly susceptible to corruption, leading to concerns about the country’s ability to secure itself.
Peter Obi has promised to ensure transparency in all procurements and prevent under-the-table deals. He has also advocated for community state police and involving community leaders in securing their environments in collaboration with regular security agencies.
Obi’s approach is consistent with the recommendations of experts who have called for increased transparency and accountability in the government’s procurement process. However, critics have raised concerns about the feasibility of community state police and the potential risks of involving community leaders in security matters.
Peter Obi’s proposed solutions to Nigeria’s problems may be consistent with the recommendations of experts in various fields. However, the effectiveness of his reforms depends on his ability to implement them effectively if elected. As Nigerians prepare to cast their votes, the question remains: Will Obi’s appeal as a reformer and his commitment to fighting corruption be enough to overcome the concerns of the political elite? Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain: the 2023 Presidential election will have far-reaching implications for the future of Nigeria, and the eyes of the world will be watching closely as the country goes to the polls tomorrow.
Source: The Independent Africa