Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said that Nigerians have no reason to be poor, citing the country's abundant natural and human resources.
Speaking at a dinner hosted in his honour by the Abia State Government on Friday at the Government House in Umuahia, Obasanjo lamented that mismanagement, not lack of resources, is to blame for the nation's economic struggles.
“Nigerians have no business with poverty because God has given us all that we need,” Obasanjo said. “If we are mismanaging what God has given us, we do not have God to blame, we have ourselves to blame.”
He commended Abia State Governor Alex Otti for what he described as a transformative approach to governance, applauding the widespread approval of the administration's performance. Obasanjo noted that if Nigeria had at least 18 governors who were performing well in office, the country would witness substantial progress.
The former president reiterated his commitment to the welfare of Nigerians and stressed the importance of effective leadership. “For me, whether you don’t greet me or I greet you and you don’t answer, what is important to me is that the people of this country are getting what they deserve and what they deserve is good governance,” he stated.
Recalling his time in office, Obasanjo referred to an instance involving former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, whom he had advised to consult archival records about the country’s national railway plan. He noted that Amaechi was unaware of the plan and said the former minister eventually implemented parts of it, although with mixed results.
In his remarks, Governor Otti expressed appreciation for Obasanjo’s support and highlighted the significance of vision and persistence in leadership. He recounted his ten-year political journey, including previous electoral setbacks in 2015 and 2019, and said his eventual victory was anchored in divine conviction and determination. The governor added that his administration has prioritised reforms in the education sector to expand access to quality learning across the state.
Amaechi, who also spoke at the event, called for early political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections. He warned that the value of good leadership often becomes evident only after a less competent administration takes charge. Commending Obasanjo’s consistency in national affairs, he described the former president as a leader whose legacy transcends political change. He urged the people of Abia to continue supporting Governor Otti to ensure sustained development and success in future elections.
Other dignitaries, including Chief Ginger Onwusibe, the lawmaker representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency, and Senator Darlington Nwokocha, acting National Secretary of the Labour Party, praised Obasanjo for his steadfast support and applauded Governor Otti for fostering inclusive development across all local government areas in the state.
