Political commentator, chieftain of opposition PDP and convener of the National Opposition Movement Coalition (NOMC), known as “The Alternative, Otunba Segun Showunmi has called for greater fairness in evaluating former presidential candidate Peter Obi, following a series of recent interviews that also featured B.D. Lawal and Obiora.
In his piece titled “Three Interviews and a Lesson in Hope: Why We Need to Cut Peter Obi Some Slack”, Showunmi reflected on the conversations, noting that despite Nigeria’s political divisions and ideological differences, many citizens still believe in the country’s potential for progress.
Brutal Honesty and Diplomacy
Showunmi described B.D. Lawal as “dangerous” not in a harmful sense, but because of his rare candour and willingness to speak the truth regardless of consequences. He argued that Lawal’s experiences in governance make him an invaluable source of institutional memory.
On Obiora, Showunmi observed a man of diplomacy who, while careful with his words, demonstrated deep understanding of Nigeria’s challenges and pathways to development.
Cutting Peter Obi Some Slack
Turning to Peter Obi, Showunmi dismissed the wave of harsh critiques surrounding his recent interview, insisting that Obi’s consistency and courage deserve recognition. He noted that Obi has long maintained his positions on accountability and transparency, and continues to show up in moments of crisis to support communities across the country.
“No nation can afford to waste a human resource like Peter Obi,” Showunmi wrote, suggesting that even if Obi does not become president, his managerial instincts and passion for accountability could be deployed in institutions such as the South East Development Commission.
The Call for Balanced Criticism
Showunmi cautioned against Nigeria’s growing tendency to approach public figures with fault-finding as the primary objective. While acknowledging the importance of criticism and accountability in democracy, he stressed that fairness must also guide public discourse.
He cited the controversy around Obi’s “I cut the grass” remark, explaining that the statement was metaphorical, intended to illustrate starting from scratch and understanding every stage of development.
Hope as Nigeria’s Greatest Asset
Concluding his reflections, Showunmi emphasised that Nigeria’s greatest asset lies not in its natural resources but in the enduring conviction of its citizens that the country can still achieve greatness.
“These men, despite their differences in temperament and approach, share one vital characteristic: they still believe Nigeria can be better,” he noted. “Nations are ultimately built by people who refuse to surrender hope.”
