Manage Labour Party Well Before Seeking Presidency – Akpabio Taunts Peter Obi

BY SEGUN ADEBAYO – Embattled Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has challenged the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi to resolve the internal crisis in his “small party” before seeking to become Nigeria’s president

Reacting to Obi’s recent comments that the “labour of our heroes past is all in vain’, Senator Akpabio said the former Anambra State Governor lacks the moral authority to govern a larger, more complex country like Nigeria if he cannot effectively address the current crisis within LP

Speaking during the valedictory session in honour of the late former Federal Commissioner for Information and South-South Leader, Chief Edwin Clark on Thursday, Akpabio said; “If you cannot resolve the crisis in your Labour Party, how can you solve the crisis of Boko Haram or other major national issues?

“I urge those aspiring to lead Nigeria to first address the issues within their own parties.”

Also using the occasion to recount his achievements as the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Akpabio said: “I can proudly speak about the dualized thoroughfares in my city, the international hospitals, and the digitalized governor’s offices.

“I also initiated free and compulsory education and worked towards religious unity by sponsoring over 5,800 Muslims and over 12,000 to 15,000 Christians on pilgrimages to Rome and Jerusalem.”

Also acknowledging the social media as a tool for communication, the Senate President however said it is largely unregulated and often used to sow division.

He challenged Peter Obi and other presidential aspirants to first resolve their party issues before focusing on the national stage.

Recalled that Peter Obi, had on Wednesday during the memorial lecture and day of tribute for Chief Clark in Abuja, praised “Clark’s life of courage, sacrifice, and value”.

Expressing concern about the current state of Nigeria, the former Anambra Governor said the sacrifices of past leaders such as General Gowon and former President Jonathan seem to be in vain given the current situation of things in the country.

He also noted the absence of protests in response to the recent fuel price hikes, which is a sharp departure from the widespread protests during Jonathan’s time over similar issues.

The President Bola Tinubu-led administration also came under knocks with the Labour Party 2023 Presidential candidate alleging that there is no democracy in the country with the actions and inactions of the government.

He further slammed those accusing him that criticising the government amounted to “demonizing” the country to the outside world.