Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has said that Nigeria remains a challenging environment for leaders genuinely committed to doing the right thing.
Speaking during a special thanksgiving service at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Umuahia, held to mark the second anniversary of Governor Alex Otti’s administration in Abia State, Obi emphasized the need for spiritual support for upright leaders.
“It’s never easy to govern Nigeria especially when you’re determined to govern with integrity,” Obi stated. “I urge everyone to pray for Governor Otti and his team, and to do the same for Nigeria. May God touch the hearts of our leaders so they understand that public funds should be used for the public good. These resources are not personal—they are entrusted to us for the benefit of all.”
Obi commended Governor Otti’s achievements over the past two years, describing his leadership as a refreshing departure from the norm and proof that impactful governance doesn’t require a full term to manifest.
“We’re here to celebrate two years of visible, meaningful change. Some people claim they need eight or ten years to make an impact, but I have always maintained that even one day, used well, can make a difference. In Abia, the transformation is evident. You don’t need propaganda or radio jingles it’s clear to everyone,” he remarked.
Reaffirming his long-standing commitment to Nigeria’s development, Obi clarified that his presidential ambition has never been about power for its own sake.
“I’m not desperate to become President,” he said. “What drives me is a deep desire to see this country work. We need more leaders with vision and sincerity leaders like Governor Otti.”
Governor Otti, in his remarks, attributed the accomplishments of his government to divine favor and collective effort. Quoting from the Bible, 1 Corinthians 3:6-7, he said: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. We’ve worked hard, but without God, it would all amount to nothing. That’s why we give all glory to Him.”
Otti also acknowledged the support of the Abia State legislature and judiciary, as well as his team of commissioners and advisers. He described their collaboration as essential to the success of what he called “the new Abia project.”
Expressing gratitude to Obi, the governor referred to him as “a shining example of good governance and moral leadership.”
The thanksgiving service drew a large crowd, including political stakeholders, clergy, traditional rulers, civil servants, and residents from across the state. It served not only as a moment of reflection and gratitude but also as a reaffirmation of the values that define purposeful leadership.
