labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has stirred public debate after proposing the introduction of the death sentence for high-profile corruption cases in Nigeria. Obi made the suggestion during a recent interview shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, where he emphasized the need for decisive action against corruption as a foundation for national development.Drawing inspiration from China’s uncompromising anti-corruption strategy, the former Anambra State governor argued that Nigeria must begin to treat corruption as a capital crime due to its devastating impact on governance, development, and the general well-being of citizens.> “We must deal with the issue of corruption aggressively—maybe just like the Chinese are doing,” Obi said. “Make sure that if there is an amount you steal, it is a death sentence; if there is an amount you steal, it is life imprisonment; if there is an amount you steal, it is not less than 10 years.”Obi believes that Nigeria’s inability to curb corruption has been a major impediment to national progress, noting that looted funds could have transformed key sectors of the economy if properly managed.He stressed that once corruption is effectively addressed, Nigeria can then redirect its focus to critical areas of development such as:EducationHealthcareProductivity and job creationThe 2023 presidential candidate insisted that development will only be sustained if leadership selection is based on three core principles:1. Competence – Leaders must possess the skills and knowledge to deliver.2. Capacity – The physical, mental, and administrative strength to implement policy.3. Compassion – A sense of empathy and citizen-focused governance.> “We need a new kind of leadership. One that is citizen-led, grounded in empathy and responsibility. The resources are there. What we lack is the right leadership,” he added.Peter Obi’s proposal has already begun to generate mixed reactions online, with some praising the tough stance as necessary, while others warn against the potential for abuse in a flawed judicial system.As Nigeria continues to grapple with endemic corruption, Obi’s comments reignite an urgent national conversation about justice, accountability, and the ethical foundation of public service.(Reported by FrontNaija News | Source: Oriental Time)
