By Stephen Simon
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has denied asking Nigerians living abroad to abandon relatives who depend on them for financial assistance.
Obi made the clarification on Tuesday following criticism of remarks he delivered during a town hall meeting with Nigerian diaspora supporters in Manchester, United Kingdom, on Sunday.
The former Anambra State governor said his comments had been distorted by political opponents, insisting that his intention was to draw attention to Nigeria’s economic difficulties and the dependence of many households on relatives abroad.
In a statement titled “My Message Has Been Twisted”, Obi said he appreciated Nigerians in the diaspora who made sacrifices to support their families back home.
He noted that remittances from abroad helped families pay school fees, hospital bills, rent and other essential expenses.
Obi argued, however, that Nigeria should not remain a country where millions of citizens depend on financial assistance from relatives overseas to meet their basic needs.
His clarification followed public reactions to his earlier advice that Nigerians abroad should encourage relatives at home to demand better leadership rather than rely continually on financial support.
The controversy has generated debate about the role of diaspora remittances in supporting Nigerian households amid economic hardship.
Obi maintained that his message was directed at the need to address the underlying causes of poverty and economic insecurity rather than discourage Nigerians from helping their loved ones.
