*Welfare, Protection Of Lives Of Military, Top Priority Under My Watch –He Assures
By Tony Ezimako, Abuja
Presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the forthcoming 2027 election, Mr Peter Obi has flayed the bid to compel Nigerians to accept unverified certificates as a norm, warning that the country is setting a dangerous precedent by lowering standards on which society is built.
His stern warning on his X handle came against the recent publication by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the education attainments of presidential candidates of the various political parties jostling to lead the country in 2027.
The publication, which sparked outrage in some quarters, curiously left vacant the columns for both primary and secondary schools of presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and incumbent President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, raising more questions than answers.
Reflecting on this, Obi emphasized that the issue was not about an individual but about standards, accountability and sustainable value for future generations as well as process for attaining higher responsibility in society.
“A nation that tolerates unverified academic credentials at any level of leadership, regardless of who is involved, risks destroying the very standards upon which a society is built. The issue is not about an individual. It is about standards, accountability, and the values we choose to pass on to the next generation.
“We cannot continue to excuse blurred, missing, questionable, or unverified credentials simply because they belong to someone we support. The process through which people attain positions of responsibility matters greatly. How we get into leadership is as important as what we do with leadership.
“If we normalise the abandonment of basic verification today, tomorrow we may have professors who never attended a university, doctors who never studied medicine, and judges who never studied law.
“That is the dangerous precedent we must never allow. Nigeria cannot sacrifice its future on the altar of today’s transactional politics. We must build a society where truth is not partisan, standards are not negotiable, and accountability applies equally to everyone.
“History will judge us not only by those we defended, but by the principles we were willing to defend. We must choose truth over convenience, standards over sentiments, and the future over political expediency.
“A New Nigeria is possible, but only if we are willing to do the right thing, even when it is inconvenient,” he stressed.
Welfare, Protection Of Lives Of Military, Top Priority Under My Watch –He Assures
Meanwhile, Obi has restated his resolve to place the welfare and protection of the nation’s security forces, especially the military, top in his priority, if elected president in the poll.
Obi stated this via his X handle while disclaiming a report falsely attributed to him to suggest that he had told members of the military to reject recent salary increment by the government until after the elections.
He said such false attribution and narrative falls short of his consistent call for sustainable improvement of the welfare and general support and protection of members of the military, whose sacrifices to secure the country in the face of growing challenges have drawn national and global applause.
Obi said: “I wish to address a recent
report that falsely attributes a statement to me, suggesting that Nigerian soldiers should refuse any salary increments until after the elections. This assertion is entirely untrue.
”My profound respect for our security forces, particularly the Nigerian Army personnel who diligently serve and protect our nation under challenging conditions, is unwavering. I have consistently advocated for the adequate provision of equipment, motivation, and protection for our security personnel.
“My concern was palpable when soldiers were lost to insurgents due to a delayed rescue effort, prompting me to question how those defending us could be left vulnerable in their time of need.”
The former Anambra State governor maintained that under his watch, if elected president, the welfare and protection of the military would not be relegated to a secondary position.
“Should I be elected President, the well-being, resources, safety, and honour of our soldiers will be a paramount priority. Those who ensure Nigeria’s security must never be relegated to a secondary concern.
“Our soldiers are deserving of our utmost respect, unwavering support, and a government that will unequivocally stand by them. Under my leadership, scenarios where our servicemen and women are left unprotected in the face of peril will be eradicated,” he stated.
The death of generals and other military top brass in the theatre of battle against insurgents due to delays in responding to emergencies had severally sparked national outrage among citizens, highlighting the poor premium placed on the life of the average citizen by successive administrations.
Obi deplored the falsehood attributed to him, and urged Nigerians to dismiss the misleading report.
“I remain committed to articulating a clear and consistent vision for a secure and prosperous Nigeria. The realisation of a new and secure Nigeria is indeed POssible,” he stressed.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Obi.
