I’m not a saint’ — Obi asks Nigerians to support leaders with proven records

‘I’m not a saint’ — Obi asks Nigerians to support leaders with proven records

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), says Nigerians should support leaders with proven records in public office.

Speaking on Sunday at a lunch with Nigerians in the diaspora in Manchester, United Kingdom (UK), Obi said he was not claiming to be a saint.

He urged Nigerians to consider his records in office despite his imperfections.

“You have people at home who are begging you for money, tell them no. Tell them let’s put somebody who has proven, as if I’m not a saint,” Obi said.

The former governor of Anambra state said Nigerians should reject monetary inducements and prioritise accountability in choosing political leaders.

He challenged other former governors to demonstrate that they had saved at least 10 percent of the amount he saved while in office.

“And I’ve challenged myself that is there is a governor who has saved 10 percent of what I saved. Ten percent and nobody else,” he said.

“So, at least let’s start with this one who is maybe less corrupt.

“We’re not saying he’s not but less. But it’s not happening, that’s how other countries change.”

He said the use of money to acquire properties while public schools and hospitals lack adequate facilities is a recurring problem.

“It is not money that they’re sharing, not money that they’re using to buy properties here while there’s no school, while there’s no hospital,” Obi said.

“When his parents were there, people were not spending money to come and buy a house in England. People were not spending money to build their house. You don’t hear people finish, about 50 houses during military rule. “

The NDC presidential candidate added that countries change when citizens decide that existing practices must end.