Labour Party Presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has criticised Ukraine’s grain donation to Nigeria, characterizing it as a matter of national disgrace.
While acknowledging the commendable nature of Ukraine’s benevolent gesture, Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State underscored the broader implications for Nigeria.
In a series of tweets posted on X (formerly Twitter), where Mr. Obi holds a revered status among his supporters known as Obidients, he positioned himself as a voice of concern and suggested a proactive approach to address the perceived national embarrassment. His stance emphasized the imperative need for the government to undergo a significant reprioritization, directing resources towards sectors with tangible productivity, notably agriculture.
Furthermore, Mr. Obi delved into the interconnected challenges facing Nigeria, asserting that resolving the issue of insecurity is paramount for farmers to confidently return to their fields. He proposed a strategic, concerted effort over the next five years, asserting that such focused initiatives could reverse the prevailing negative trends in the country, paving the way for a more productive and self-sufficient nation.
Peter Obi wrote: “Let me begin by sincerely appreciating the war-torn nation of Ukraine for their generous donation of tons of grains to Nigeria thereby aiding our current fight against nationwide hunger.
“As laudable as Ukraine’s kind gesture is, it speaks volumes for us as a people endowed with all needed human and natural resources, that a country officially prosecuting a brutal war of national survival with its powerful neighbor, Russia, is generous and kind enough with their food supplies to help us who are officially at peace.
Advertisement
“For the people of Ukraine, this act of human solidarity testifies to a rare generosity of spirit which should earn them greater global solidarity. It demonstrates our shared humanity.
“However, a situation like this underscores vigorously the importance of sound political leadership as the first concrete requirement for any nation desiring to develop and enhance the standard of living of its citizenry.
Advertisement
“It is disheartening that our once economically confident nation, blessed with vast arable land and abundant natural resources, now relies on a war-torn Ukraine for food assistance.
“This national disgrace stems from years of leadership failure, necessitating urgent reflection and a reordering of our national priorities and resource management and allocation.
“Despite the conflict, Ukraine feeds itself, and exports agricultural products worth over $ 25 billion which is about the same value as our crude oil export earnings, and it serves as a strategic global food supplier, even providing aid to a peaceful yet unproductive Nigeria.
“To overcome this embarrassment, we must aggressively reorder our priorities by investing resources in productive sectors like agriculture. Addressing insecurity is crucial for farmers to return to their fields, enabling a productive manufacturing sector and supporting small businesses.
Advertisement
“In 4 to 5 years, this concerted effort can reverse the current trend, leading us toward a productive and New Nigeria that I believe is possible and within reach”.
This commentary comes in the wake of Ukraine’s donation of 25,000 tonnes of wheat, positioned as emergency food assistance, aimed at supporting 1.3 million vulnerable and crisis-affected individuals in Northeast Nigeria. This humanitarian effort takes place against the backdrop of escalating inflation and spikes in food prices within the country.
The acknowledgment of Ukraine’s donation was officially communicated by Atinuke Akande-Alegbe, a Senior Communications and Public Diplomacy Officer within the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office of the British High Commission. The nuanced layers of Peter Obi’s critique and proposed solutions reflect a deep engagement with the complex challenges facing Nigeria, marking a call for strategic action and a reevaluation of national priorities.
