Mr. Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating living conditions in Nigeria, lamenting that many Nigerians facing xenophobic attacks and hardships in South Africa would rather remain there and risk death than return home.
Speaking after his recent engagements with Nigerians in the diaspora in South Africa, Obi revealed that deliberate efforts were made to provide facilities and support for distressed citizens willing to return, but the majority declined the offer due to unbearable conditions back home.
“If you don’t know, we provided facilities for them to come back. But most of them told me they would rather die there than come back,” Peter Obi stated.
Obi attributed this heartbreaking preference to the worsening economic situation, insecurity, and poor governance in Nigeria, which have made life increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens. He noted that despite the dangers posed by xenophobia in South Africa, many Nigerians see better survival chances abroad than in their own country.
The former Governor described the situation as a sad reflection of leadership failure, stressing that a functional Nigeria should be attractive enough for its citizens to return and contribute to national development. He called on the current administration to urgently address the root causes driving mass emigration and reluctance to return.
Obi reiterated his commitment to building a New Nigeria where citizens are proud to live, work, and raise their families a nation with opportunities, security, and good governance that makes return migration desirable.
He urged Nigerians in the diaspora to remain law-abiding while continuing to advocate for better leadership at home, and called on the Federal Government to strengthen diplomatic ties and protect its citizens abroad more effectively.