The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, has condemned the deep-rooted corruption in Nigeria, describing it as a major factor hindering national progress.
In a post on X titled “Corruption in Sports: A Reflection of
Nigeria’s Deeper Malaise,” Obi reacted to FIFA’s revelation on the alleged
mismanagement of funds meant for stadium development and youth sports by the
Nigeria Football Federation, NFF.
He called the development “sickening and shameful,” saying
it reflects the broader decay in governance.
Obi recalled that during his tenure as Anambra State
governor, land was allocated for a FIFA-funded stadium in Awka, but the project
was never executed.
He lamented that despite receiving about $25 million from
FIFA and CAF since 2013, there is little to show for it, describing the
reported $1.2 million stadium in Kebbi as “a national embarrassment.”
Obi accused corrupt leaders of “demarketing” Nigeria through
mismanagement and theft of public funds, stressing that rebuilding the nation
must begin with integrity and accountability.
Obi said: “While we continue to grapple with insecurity,
poverty, and the rising unemployment among our youths, the most heartbreaking
reality remains the entrenched corruption that permeates every facet of our
nation – especially in the critical sectors that could help lift Nigeria in
these challenging times.
“FIFA’s recent revelation about the mismanagement of funds
released to Nigeria’s Football Federation for stadium development and youth
talent growth is both sickening and shameful. It perfectly mirrors the broader
decay in how our scarce national resources are handled. I am certain that
further investigations will reveal even worse realities than what we currently
know.
“I recall vividly that during my time as Governor of Anambra
State, I received officials from the Sports Federation who visited and informed
us that Awka had been selected as one of six geographical locations for the
construction of a FIFA-standard stadium to be fully funded by FIFA. We
immediately allocated land for that purpose, and they assured us that the
project would be executed through the Federal Ministry of Sports. That was the
last we heard of it.
“Believing that such a major project was underway, we
channelled our resources toward constructing mini-stadiums across the state to
encourage grassroots sports. We commissioned the Chuba Ikpeazu Memorial Stadium
in Onitsha, as well as the Godwin Achebe Stadium in Onitsha South, among
others.
“Years later, nothing came of the promised FIFA project,
which prompted us to initiate the construction of the Awka Stadium ourselves.
Seeing the recent news about funds released by FIFA to Nigeria to develop
talent and improve youth sports, I am deeply disappointed by such blatant
squandering of opportunities.
“I have always maintained that those who accuse us of
“demarketing” Nigeria for speaking the truth and exposing corruption are the
very ones who thrive on corruption and deceit. The real demarketers of Nigeria
are the incompetent leaders who have forged their way to wealth through the
mismanagement and theft of public funds – resources that should have been used
to provide schools, healthcare, and employment for our youths and to nurture
their talents.
“Since 2013, about $25 million has reportedly been received
by the NFF from FIFA and CAF – funds meant for the development of football and
youth sports in our country. Yet, there is little or nothing to show for it.
The so-called $1.2 million stadium in Kebbi State is a national embarrassment.
The structure in no way reflects the funds claimed to have been spent on it.
“We cannot continue to watch our sports decline while
corruption flourishes. Our youths are our most prized assets, yet we have
destroyed their future and then turned around to label them “Yahoo boys,” when,
in truth, the leaders who have robbed them of their future are the real “Yahoo”
of our nation.
“This is yet another shameful reflection of the corruption
we have allowed to take root in Nigeria. If we truly desire to rebuild our
country, we must begin with integrity and accountability in every aspect and
sector. Until then, our nation will continue to crawl where it should be
soaring.”
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