Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has urged Nigeria to adopt tougher anti-corruption measures, suggesting the country could learn from China’s stringent penalties for financial crimes.
During a courtesy visit to media personality and publisher Dele Momodu on Thursday, May 15, Obi highlighted the damaging effects of corruption on Nigeria’s productivity, entrepreneurship, and societal values.
“Africa has no reason to be hungry. All we need to do is the right thing,” he said. “Corruption has eroded the value people place on hard work and productivity.”
Obi condemned the rising trend of individuals living lavishly without clear sources of income while hardworking citizens face hardship. He called for a firm crackdown on corruption, citing China’s tiered punishment system as a model—where sentences vary based on the amount stolen, ranging from long prison terms to the death penalty.
He emphasized the need to elect leaders who are not only capable but also compassionate. “Leadership without compassion is not leadership,” Obi said. “A true leader thinks about the people 24 hours a day.”
