Omoyele Sowore has criticised Peter Obi, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), over his recent remarks describing northern Nigeria as the country’s greatest asset.
Obi had said the north holds Nigeria’s future because of its vast expanse of uncultivated land, stressing that agriculture could generate more revenue for the nation than oil if properly developed.
“Our greatest asset is in the north. The vast, uncultivated land in the north is our future. We can make more money as a country from agriculture than we make from oil, and we must begin to do that immediately,” Obi stated.
Reacting to the comment, Sowore accused Obi of making the statement for political advantage, alleging it was targeted at gaining support from northern voters.
Sowore argued that Obi’s current position contradicts actions attributed to him during his time as governor of Anambra State. He referenced reports that Obi repatriated northerners, including beggars, by placing them in buses and sending them back to the north.
“If you go to the north, yes, we can turn the north into the greatest asset, but every Nigeria can be turned into the greatest asset. Every inch of Nigeria,” Sowore said.
He further alleged that Obi’s only notable interaction with northerners while in office was the reported deportation of beggars.
“That time, he forgot that the north is the asset of Nigeria. Don’t let the hypocrite deceive you,” Sowore added.
Sowore maintained that every region of the country has economic value and deserves equal attention, insisting that Nigeria’s development should not be framed around one region.
“The north is a great asset. The south is a great asset. The north-central, the south-west, and everywhere are great assets in the country,” he said.
He concluded by stating that Nigeria’s progress depends more on effective leadership than regional prioritisation, noting that prosperity would naturally follow if the country is properly governed.
“The country is just waiting for leadership. You will be surprised that the north, south, everywhere will be churning out prosperity,” Sowore state
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