0
0
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called for tougher punitive measures against corruption in Nigeria, suggesting that the nation adopt a more aggressive stance similar to that of China.
Obi made the statement during a courtesy visit to veteran journalist and publisher Dele Momodu at his residence on Thursday, May 15.
In his remarks, Obi lamented the erosion of values like hard work and productivity in Nigeria, attributing the nation’s development setbacks largely to unchecked corruption.
“Africa has no reason to be hungry,” Obi said. “All we need to do is the right thing. Corruption is at the root of our problems because people no longer value hard work, entrepreneurship, or productivity. People without day jobs or offices live like celebrities, while hardworking Nigerians struggle to survive. It’s a crisis.”
The former Anambra State governor advocated for stricter, tiered punishments for corruption based on the severity of the crime—drawing parallels with China’s legal approach.
“Maybe we should consider what China is doing. There, if you steal beyond a certain amount, it’s a death sentence. Below that, it’s life imprisonment. Lesser thefts still attract no less than ten years in prison. When you treat corruption as seriously as that, it becomes a deterrent,” he explained.
Obi also emphasized the need for leadership reform, stressing the importance of electing individuals who are not only competent but also physically capable and compassionate.
“Competence is important, but so is capacity. You must be physically able to move around and get the job done. And above all, a leader must have compassion. Leadership without compassion isn’t leadership at all.”
His remarks have reignited the conversation around anti-corruption strategies in Nigeria and the broader need for value-driven leadership and accountability at all levels of government.
