If you cannot even resolve the crisis within the Labour Party, is it Boko Haram’s crisis you’ll come and resolve in Nigeria?
Senator Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate, has criticized Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, for allegedly disrespecting Nigeria’s past heroes. Akpabio’s criticism came during a valedictory session held to honor the late Chief Edwin Clark, a prominent Niger Delta elder statesman.
Akpabio’s rebuke followed comments made by Obi just 24 hours prior, where he eulogized Chief Clark but also suggested that the efforts of Nigeria’s past heroes had been in vain due to the country’s current challenges, particularly economic issues. Obi’s remarks were perceived as dismissive of the contributions of Nigeria’s past heroes.
Akpabio defended the legacy of Nigeria’s past heroes, implying that Obi’s comments were inappropriate and disrespectful. The Senate President’s criticism highlights the differing perspectives on Nigeria’s history and the impact of its past heroes.
Obi stated, “For someone like me who just participated in the 2023 general election, he (Clark) lived a life of courage, sacrifice, justice, and value. So why do we keep saying the labours of our heroes past should not be in vain? I’m happy that Jonathan is here.
“But I can tell you, their sacrifices are in vain. They have sacrificed for nothing. We were in this country when people protested when there was no need to protest under Goodluck Jonathan. Where are those protesters now? Have they disappeared?
“Jonathan increased fuel from N87 to N120, and people protested. Now that it’s N900, there are no protests. So again, why do we keep saying their labours should not be in vain?”
Reacting, Akpabio stated, “If you cannot even resolve the crisis within the Labour Party, is it Boko Haram’s crisis you’ll come and resolve in Nigeria? I would like us to be remembered for what we achieved when given the opportunity. As I speak, I can point to the dualised roads in my city.
“I can talk about some of the best international hospitals in my city. I have one of the best digitalised governor’s offices. I provided free and compulsory education. I also fostered religious unity by sponsoring over 5,800 Muslims and more than 15,000 Christians to Rome and Jerusalem.
“But those aspiring to be presidential candidates, who use social media to cause division with their words — tell them to fix the small party they have before talking about a larger Nigeria. Social media is unregulated.”
The exchange between Akpabio and Obi underscores the complexities of Nigeria’s history and the ongoing debates about its development trajectory.