During a recent visit to Lagos, Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for Nigeria’s Labour Party, made a resolute call for the dismantling of what he termed the “structure of criminal enterprises” entrenched by politicians, insisting that real change is contingent upon such actions.
Obi, addressing community members at Ajao Estate while paying his respects to the late Prof. Ben Nwabueze, a respected constitutional lawyer, stressed the urgency of reforming the current political framework to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.
He criticized the allocation of N160 million for vehicle purchases per federal lawmaker as a glaring example of misprioritization, especially during times of widespread hardship. “We need to embrace modesty,” Obi asserted, condemning the government’s excessive spending in light of the populace’s struggles.
Obi held up the late Nwabueze, the pioneer Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, as a paragon of consistency, honesty, and dedication to the Nigerian cause. He reminisced about Nwabueze’s unwavering stance on constitutional amendments and governance reforms.
Echoing Obi’s sentiments, Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo paid homage to Nwabueze’s enduring contributions to Nigerian constitutional law and his reputation for integrity. In a statement released by his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, Soludo hailed Nwabueze as a national treasure whose commitment to justice and equity left a lasting imprint on the country.
According to a report by The Guardian, the Anambra North Senatorial District’s representative, Dr. Tony Nwoye, joined in the tributes, acknowledging Nwabueze as a legal trailblazer whose scholarly work left a significant mark both in Nigeria and abroad. Nwoye lauded Nwabueze’s life and achievements, highlighting his role in shaping Nigeria’s legal system and advocating for a corruption-free society.
The loss of Prof. Nwabueze is not only a blow to the Igbo nation but to Nigeria as a whole. His dedication to democratic principles and legal excellence will continue to inspire future generations long after his passing.