Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned what he called the deepening culture of corruption in Nigeria, warning that it has become the country’s biggest obstacle to progress.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), titled “Corruption in Sports: A Reflection of Nigeria’s Deeper Malaise,” Obi reacted to fifa.com/">FIFA’s report alleging mismanagement of funds meant for stadium development and youth sports by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
He described the revelations as “sickening and shameful,” adding that they mirror the broader rot in Nigeria’s governance system.
FIFA Funds and Broken Promises
Obi recalled that during his tenure as governor of Anambra State, land was allocated for a FIFA-funded stadium project in Awka. But despite repeated assurances from sports officials, the project never took off.
“Since 2013, the NFF has received about $25 million from FIFA and CAF for football and youth development, yet there is little to show for it,” he stated.
He described the alleged $1.2 million stadium in Kebbi State as “a national embarrassment.”
The former governor said his administration, believing the FIFA project was underway, went ahead to construct several mini stadiums across the state, including the Chuba Ikpeazu Memorial Stadium and the Godwin Achebe Stadium in Onitsha.
“Years later, nothing came of the promised FIFA project, which prompted us to construct the Awka Stadium ourselves,” he added.
“A Reflection of Nigeria’s Deeper Malaise”
Obi lamented that corruption has become entrenched across nearly all sectors, warning that rebuilding Nigeria must start with integrity and accountability.
“While we continue to grapple with insecurity, poverty, and unemployment, the most heartbreaking reality remains the entrenched corruption that permeates every facet of our nation,” he said. “FIFA’s revelation is both sickening and shameful. It perfectly reflects how our scarce national resources are misused.”
He also faulted those who accuse reformers of “demarketing” Nigeria when they speak out against corruption.
“The true demarketers are the leaders who have stolen public funds meant to build schools, hospitals, and jobs for our youths,” Obi declared.
He concluded with a somber reflection: “If we truly want to rebuild our nation, we must begin with integrity and accountability in every sector. Until then, Nigeria will continue to crawl where it should be soaring.”
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