Obi Calls for National Emergency Over Insecurity, Hunger
...Asks INEC to Publish Candidates' Academic Credentials
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called for a national emergency over worsening insecurity and hunger, urging the Federal Government (FG) to prioritise citizens’ safety and national stability.
Obi disclosed that while completing his Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination form on Monday, he was struck by Question 1 of Section E, which asks: “Have you ever been adjudged a lunatic or been declared a person of unsound mind?”
“The answer is either Yes or No. That question got me thinking: Can we, as the political leaders of today’s Nigeria, truly say we are exhibiting the characteristics of a sound mind?” he asked.
Obi questioned why politics remains the nation’s primary preoccupation when Nigerians, including children and security personnel, are being abducted into the bush, citizens cannot travel safely on highways, millions of Nigerians are uncertain where their next meal will come from, and billions of naira are being siphoned through non-existent agencies and projects.
“A sound-minded leadership would have declared these existential challenges a national emergency and immediately mobilised all relevant institutions, security agencies, experts, community leaders, and other critical stakeholders to confront them with urgency and resolve,” he argued.
He stressed that, at a moment like this, the survival, security and stability of Nigeria must take precedence over every other consideration, adding that this is a time for decisive action, not political calculation or the pursuit of partisan advantage.
Obi also revealed that Question 6 of Section E of the INEC nomination form asks: “Have you ever presented a forged certificate to INEC?”
“Again, the answer is either Yes or No,” he said, arguing that INEC should strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process by publishing the academic certificates and other credentials submitted by every candidate seeking elective office.
Obi emphasised that transparency strengthens democracy and builds public trust, adding that Nigeria’s problems are too serious for what he described as “politics as usual.”
He further stated that it is time for leadership defined by competence, character, capacity, compassion and commitment to service.
