Former Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, has called on Nigerians to pray for their political leaders, insisting that those in positions of power bear the greatest responsibility for the country’s challenges.
Obi made the appeal on Sunday while speaking at a thanksgiving service marking the 50th anniversary of Oyo State, held at the Cathedral of St. Peter Anglican Church.
“I want to make a request from Nigerians. Do remember us politicians in your prayers. We are the problem of Nigeria, no other person,” Obi said.
He stressed that Nigeria’s challenges are not rooted in a lack of resources but in poor leadership and governance.
“Nigeria is not a poor country; it is poorly governed. Remember us in your prayers that God should touch our hearts to use public money for public good,” he added.
In a post on X after the event, Obi thanked Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for inviting him to speak at the anniversary service. He recalled that at the beginning of Makinde’s administration, he had addressed the governor’s first executive council retreat, where discussions centred on governance and leadership.
According to Obi, Makinde has remained consistent with those principles, noting that beyond visible infrastructure projects, the governor’s performance continues to attract positive conversations among residents of the state.
The former Anambra State governor also commended Makinde’s remarks during the service on the importance of building strong institutions rather than relying on individuals. He said the emphasis on continuity and strong systems offered reassurance that progress in Oyo State would be sustained beyond a single administration.
Obi further thanked Williams Aladekugbe for what he described as a timely and impactful sermon, adding that thanksgiving should be viewed as a moral discipline that promotes humility, responsibility, and service to the common good.
He urged residents of Oyo State to continue supporting the state government and to pray that leaders at all levels would be guided to always act in the best interests of the people.
