At a memorial event held yesterday in honour of elder statesman Chief Edwin Clark, former presidential candidate Peter Obi delivered a thought-provoking speech that has stirred nationwide conversation. Speaking at the lecture in Abuja, which drew respected dignitaries including ex-Head of State Yakubu Gowon and former President Goodluck Jonathan, Obi used the platform to ask Nigerians some tough questions.
While celebrating the past hero, Edwin Clark, Obi rerouted the spotlight on today’s Nigeria—drawing a sharp contrast between the courage of past heroes and the silence of many in the face of today’s suffering.
“Where are the voices that protested in 2012 and 2013 when fuel prices and food costs were far lower than they are today?” he asked. “Back then, many shouted, marched and criticized President Jonathan. But now, things are worse—and yet, many of those voices have vanished.”
He questioned whether Nigeria is truly honouring the legacy of patriots like Clark, who spent their lives fighting for justice, equity and national unity. “Are we just giving ceremonial speeches while ignoring the values they lived for?” he asked the audience.
Obi also tackled criticism that he’s “de-marketing” Nigeria by speaking honestly about its problems. According to him, telling the truth doesn’t harm a country—it helps it grow. But when truth is ignored or twisted for political gain, the nation suffers.
He painted a grim picture of Nigeria today: rising insecurity, poverty, and corruption; rigged elections; and public institutions that no longer serve the people. “This is not the Nigeria our founding heroes envisioned,” he said. “We are losing innocent lives daily—not just to bullets, but to hunger, disease and neglect.”
Obi’s speech struck a chord with many, not because it was filled with fancy language, but because it was filled with truth. He urged Nigerians to honour the sacrifices of heroes like Chief Clark by fighting for a better country—not just with words, but with action.
“A new Nigeria is possible,” Obi concluded. “But only if we all decide that enough is enough.”
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