Obi Of Onitsha To Political Leaders: Nigeria Is Being Milked To Death
His Royal Majesty Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha has cautioned the political class against the unbridle manner and rising level of corruption in the country, warning that the cow would soon die if the incorruptible milking was not stopped.
The Obi of Onitsha particularly appealed to public office holders and other leaders to as a matter of necessity put public interest above their personal and individualistic desires, saying that is the only way Nigeria can survive and grow.
Achebe, who stated these while sharing his concerns over the dwindling economic situation in the country at the public presentation of a book, “Bold Leap”, authored by Senator Chris Anyanwu, warned that with the increasing level of corruption in the country, which is akin to milking a cow, the country stands at a risk of collapse.
The royal Majesty condemned the attitude of the political class towards accountability and good governance, comparing it to the despicable attitude of continually milking the cow without replenishing and sustaining it.
He said; “If we continue to milk the cow, it will die. In this country, since independence, we have talked and talked. I think it is time we start thinking about doing something.
“We have two alternatives. Keep milking the cow until it dies because of our partial interests, which we often protect, and our personal interests.
“People go into public service not to serve the public, but to serve their interests. Either we continue to do that and milk the cow to death or we do the opposite and put Nigeria above everything else.
“And I would like to add that time is not that much in our favor, we can either milk the cow to death very, very quickly, or we can cross the entire country very quickly,” he said.
The occasion which was chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented by his Minister of Special Dutis and Intergovernmental Affairs, Hon Zsphaniah Jisalo, witnessed the gathering of prominent Nigerians comprising former Presidents, ex-Senate Presidents, former and current Senators and former Governors.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo was represented by former Senate President, Senator David Mark while former President Goodluck Jonathan was represented by ex-President of the Senate, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, Other personalities included, the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Jaja of Okpobo, former Senators, former Governors of Anambra State, Chris Ngige and Peter Obi among others, were present at the event.
Bold Leap is an autobiography of Senator Anyanwu with 600 pages, three parts and 19 chapters.
