Presidential hopeful Peter Obi has stated that the office of the Nigerian president is a responsibility that demands compassion and sacrifice, not detachment or extravagance.
Speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Obi criticised the current administration of President Bola Tinubu, accusing it of lacking empathy towards the suffering of ordinary Nigerians.
“If I become president, I will use resources effectively. I cannot say, ‘buy a new jet’,” Obi said, condemning the allocation of public funds to luxury items while essential services remain underfunded.
“I don’t need one because I can go anywhere without a jet. I will not use N150 billion to buy a jet when 80 per cent of primary healthcare centres are not functioning.”
Reflecting on his time as governor of Anambra State, Obi said he lived modestly and led by example.
“I was a governor, and for my first four years, I drove 406. For the rest of it, I didn’t drive bulletproof cars. Nobody will try to kill you if you do the right thing. It is when you do the wrong thing that you fear death.
“If your people are dying, you should be ready to die. The president should also be ready to die,” he said.
