Nigeria: 'Don't Send Money Home, Ask Them to Elect Capable Leaders,' Peter Obi Tells UK-Based Nigerians
Peter Obi had a pointed message for Nigerians living in the United Kingdom when he stood before a room of his supporters at a town hall meeting on Sunday. Instead of wiring money back home, he told them, put your energy into pushing for capable leadership at the ballot box.
The former Anambra State governor kept it plain and direct: remittances are not a substitute for good governance. His argument was that the real investment diaspora Nigerians can make is a political one, using their voices and influence to hold those in power accountable back home.
It is a conversation that keeps coming up in Nigerian communities abroad, where sending money home is almost a cultural expectation. Obi's challenge to that norm is certain to spark debate well beyond that meeting room.
Originally published by AllAfrica.