Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has warned that Nigeria risks deepening hardship and undermining national cohesion by pursuing a tax regime that places greater burdens on an already impoverished population.
He said genuine prosperity cannot be achieved through policies that make citizens poorer, stressing that economic growth must be built on trust, honesty, and productivity.
Obi made the remarks in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), where he addressed issues of taxation, leadership responsibility, and the weakening social contract between government and citizens.
The statement was signed by the ex-governor, and reflects his views on economic reform, transparency, and people-focused governance.
Drawing from his engagements with leaders across the world, Obi said countries that achieved lasting transformation did so by uniting their people around a shared vision anchored on truth. He argued that leadership without honesty destroys consensus and weakens the foundations of development.
“As I travel the world and meet leaders who have transformed their nations, one lesson is clear: lasting economic and social progress begins with national consensus. Transformative leaders share a defining quality; honesty. Government must be transparent and truthful because citizens deserve nothing less from those who lead them,” Obi said.
