Peter Obi's press conference

I watched Peter Obi's press conference on the state of the nation, and I found his remarks not only insightful but also necessary during this critical period of our democracy. It is disheartening that these thoughtful and constructive criticisms have been met with threats against him and his family. This is unacceptable in any society that claims to value freedom of expression.

As a prominent opposition leader and a prospective president of Nigeria, Peter Obi occupies a unique position to spark meaningful conversations. Criticism from someone of his caliber is not a threat to governance; it is a wake-up call—a challenge to do better. If the government disagrees with his ideas, they have the option to address or disregard them. However, threats and suppression of opposing voices are undemocratic and dangerous. They harm the very foundations of our fragile democracy.

As someone deeply optimistic and solution-oriented, I can’t help but see the challenges we face as opportunities for meaningful action. Data paints a stark picture: over the past 24 to 36 months, the number of active small and medium businesses on LinkedIn in Nigeria has dropped from 160,000 to about 31,000. This is more than a statistic—it’s a loud, painful cry from our struggling economy. Worse still, delayed payments from businesses have become the norm, further illustrating the strain on both enterprises and individuals.

However, this is not a uniquely Nigerian issue. Similar trends across African nations reveal that we are contending with a broader global economic shift. This knowledge provides perspective—our challenges are tough, yes, but the Nigerian government is undoubtedly working to address them within its constraints. No leadership is perfect, and even the best governments would struggle in such circumstances.

Still, I believe we can all do more. As citizens, this is the time to rise above despair and channel our energy into action. We must ask ourselves: How can we help? Whether through palliatives, capacity-building, or direct contributions to our communities, we all have a role to play. This is not the time to stand idly by. People are hungry, businesses are failing, and families are suffering—and while the government cannot solve everything, collective efforts can move the needle forward.

Peter Obi's call for a freer, better society for the sake of our children is not only valid but urgent. This is the moment for courageous dialogue, for empathy, and for collaboration. If we focus on working together rather than tearing each other apart, we can begin to forge a path toward sustainable progress.

It is through honest voices like his, combined with action-oriented citizens, that we can build a future we can all be proud of.

Thank you.