The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, has regretted the dearth of courageous people who can speak truth to power.

Obi who spoke Saturday, during the 10th anniversary of Alaigbo Development Foundation in Umuahia, Abia State, regretted that the country had aboundance of praise singers who tell leaders what they what to hear.

The former Anambra State Governor who recalled how he judiciously managed public funds while in office, also charged public leaders to use public funds for the people.

He further charged them to make people-centred policies, and pursue programmes that promote public peace.

Obi blamed the woes of Nigeria on avarice and insatiable quest for wealth among public office holders.

He, therefore, challenged Nigerians to speak truth to power and stop hero worshipping.

Obi said: “What we lack in Nigeria is people who can tell you you are wrong when you are. Leaders are bound to listen to the people because the people put them in the office.

” Leaders must use public money for public purpose”, Obi thundered. 

Continuing, he said:”When I was in public office, I used public money for public purpose. I made sure I used the peoples money for them.

” I did not spend any Kobo for personal gain. I didn’t take it owing pensions, gratuities. I did not owe any contractor. Now in private life I can do whatever I like with my money.”

The former Anambra State Governor who said he left office without owing workers including pensioners and contractors, disclosed that he also left behind $150m for the state.

Obi solicited continued prayers for leaders so they would serve the people with the fear of God.

The former Anambra Governor who advocated role for traditional institution, advised Government to partner socio-cultural organizations for the development of society.

He further encouraged ADF to continue its advocacy and sensitization of Ndigbo for advancing the cause of the Igbo nation.

Obi also preached unity among Ndigbo.

In his remark, the pioneer President of ADF, Professor Uzodinma Nwala, said the objective of ADF had been galvanize Igbo stakeholders for the development of Alaigbo.

The new national President of ADF, Nze Coleman Emeka Chukudelunzu, called for unity among Ndigbo to rebuild Igbo land.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Chairman of the event, Maj General Chris Eze (retd.), commended the doggedness of Ndigbo to overcome the challenges of the civil war.

Highlights of the two -day event were the inauguration of the new national leadership of ADF, and cutting of the anniversary cake.

Former President of the Senate, Anyim Pius Anyim, has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Naija News gathered that Anyim announced his defection to the ruling party at the Pa Oruta Ngele Township Abakaliki during the Grand Finale of the APC Local Government election Campaign on Saturday.

Anyim, on Saturday, led other notable personalities across other political parties, including former State and National Assembly members, Former Governorship candidate of Labour Party, Edwin Nkwegu, Senator Obinna Ọgba, former national and state assembly candidates and thousands of their supporters to join the party.

The National Chairman of the party, Abdullahi Ganduje, Chairman of Progressive Governors Forum, Governor Hope Uzodinma, Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State and Minister of Works, David Umahi, State Chairman of the party, Stanley Meghan and others were in attendance to receive them.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, commended Anyim for all the support he gave to APC during the 2023 elections adding that it is only now he formally joins the party.

He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for all the support given to him when he faced legal battles after joining the party.

He said, “President Tinubu called me to come and see him, and when I came, he carried me in his car personally to meet a Senior Advocate of Nigeria who handled our case”

The Minister noted that he faced serious attacks and conditions for deciding to join the APC but is grateful that today the party has become the beautiful bride of all in the state and southeast.

The Minister noted that the President is very much interested in the development of the southeast and needs the support of the people to succeed.

He noted that the Lagos Calabar Coastal Road will have a spot that will pass through Ebonyi, adding that other work is ongoing on other major roads in the region.

He urged the two governors and other party Leaders in the region to work harder to bring on board every stakeholder in the region to the party so that the region would take its rightful place in national politics.

Uzodinma noted that the recent ruling of the Supreme Court will strengthen democracy in the country.

He urged youths to shun all forms of protests against the government of President Tinubu.

Anyim assured the National Chairman that Ebonyi State has always been united under one political family.

He noted that the people have resolved to collapse the whole state into one political family in appreciation of Governor Francis Nwifuru’s performance and efforts at uniting all groups in the state.