Group faults Peter Obi over reported advice to Nigerians in diaspora
A coalition of civil society organisations, the Democracy and Good Governance Watch Initiative (DGGWI), has criticised Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi over his reported call for Nigerians in the diaspora to stop sending money to relatives at home, describing the position as irresponsible and economically dangerous.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the group warned that such a position could undermine family relationships and worsen the financial difficulties faced by vulnerable households. It said political leaders should exercise restraint when making statements that could affect the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
DGGWI noted that international remittances provide essential support for millions of households worldwide, helping families pay school fees, meet healthcare expenses, buy food, secure accommodation and establish small businesses. Citing the World Bank, it said remittance flows to low- and middle-income countries reached an estimated $656 billion in 2023 and rose to approximately $685 billion in 2024.
The organisation said remittances from Nigerians living abroad supplement household incomes, provide foreign exchange and help families cope with economic hardship. It added that millions of households depend on financial assistance from relatives abroad to feed children, buy medicines and support elderly parents amid unemployment, inflation and inadequate social protection.
“Economic hardship should not be compounded by political rhetoric that could question family support without providing a viable alternative. The answer to poverty is not to abandon vulnerable relatives but to create an economy in which families can earn sufficient incomes, businesses can thrive and citizens can live with dignity,” the statement said.
The group acknowledged that Nigerians in the diaspora had the right to decide how to spend their earnings, including whether and how much financial assistance to provide to relatives. However, it urged political leaders to distinguish between promoting financial accountability and advocating a blanket withdrawal of support from vulnerable family members.
DGGWI challenged Obi to explain how his reported position would protect struggling households, strengthen family relationships and stimulate local economic activity. It also urged him to focus on credible economic policies capable of addressing unemployment, poverty and the rising cost of living.
The organisation called on political leaders, presidential aspirants and public commentators to exercise restraint when discussing issues affecting ordinary citizens. It urged Nigerians abroad to make informed decisions about financial assistance while demanding accountability from elected officials and supporting policies that promote self-reliance, employment and economic prosperity.
