LIVE UPDATES
ABUJA, Nigeria (NAN) - The Labour Party's presidential candidate for the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has urged leaders from northern Nigeria to prioritize investments in education as a means to address the numerous issues plaguing the region, including poverty.
This was highlighted in a statement released by his spokesperson, Ibrahim Umar, on Sunday in Abuja.
Umar recounted Obi's comments made during a meeting with various northern leaders as part of the National Political Consultative Group.
Obi emphasized that northern Nigeria represents a significant asset for the nation.
He informed attendees, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, that the escalating levels of crime and insecurity in the north are directly linked to poverty.
He remarked that historically, the North has voted based on religion and ethnicity, but insisted that it is now time for the region to focus on competence and ability.
Furthermore, he highlighted the necessity of fostering trust among Nigerians to effectively address the nation’s diverse challenges, moving beyond ethnic and religious biases.
Earlier, former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, had expressed concerns about the security situation in the north, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention in the region.
