Urbanscoopnews reporting
The Managing Director of the Edo State Transport Authority (ESTA) and emerging political leader from Esan Central, Hon. Henshaw Oligbi, has strongly criticized the recent television interview granted by the NDC presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, describing it as disappointing and lacking the substance expected of someone aspiring to lead Nigeria.
According to Hon. Oligbi, he devoted over two hours to watching the interview, expecting to hear practical, well-defined solutions to Nigeria’s pressing challenges. Instead, he said the discussion exposed what he described as inconsistencies and unanswered questions about Mr. Obi’s vision for the country.
Hon. Oligbi pointed to Mr. Obi’s reported assertion that Nigeria’s electricity challenge could not realistically be resolved within four years, while simultaneously promising to fix Nigeria within the same period.
“This position raises a fundamental question. If electricity—the engine room of industrialization, economic growth, healthcare, education and job creation—cannot be fixed within four years, then what exactly is being promised when Nigerians are told the country will be fixed within that same timeframe?” he queried.
He maintained that Nigerians deserve detailed policy proposals rather than broad political promises, stressing that transformational leadership requires consistency, clarity and a realistic roadmap for governance.
Commenting on security, Hon. Oligbi observed that while Mr. Obi acknowledged certain efforts of the current administration, he failed, in his view, to clearly articulate the specific policies and strategies he would implement differently to effectively tackle Nigeria’s security challenges if elected President.
“Nigerians are looking for practical solutions, not general criticisms. Anyone seeking the nation’s highest office must demonstrate a clear understanding of the country’s challenges and present concrete, implementable policies capable of delivering measurable results,” he said.
Hon. Oligbi also took time to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as the courage and political will to embark on bold reforms designed to reposition Nigeria for sustainable growth, despite the temporary hardships associated with such decisions.
According to him, history has consistently shown that meaningful reforms often demand difficult choices, and courageous leadership is measured not by making popular promises but by taking responsible decisions that secure the nation’s future.
He noted that the removal of the fuel subsidy, though challenging in the short term, was a necessary economic reform aimed at ending decades of fiscal waste and redirecting national resources to critical sectors of the economy. He further highlighted the administration’s ongoing tax reforms, foreign exchange stabilization efforts, infrastructure investments, renewed drive to attract local and foreign investors, and continued support for subnational governments as clear indications of a government focused on long-term structural transformation rather than short-term political expediency.
On security, Hon. Oligbi acknowledged the administration’s sustained efforts in strengthening security operations across the country and reiterated his support for the creation of state police, describing it as an important constitutional reform capable of improving community policing, intelligence gathering and rapid response to emerging security threats.
“The true test of leadership is the courage to confront difficult realities and implement reforms that may not attract immediate applause but ultimately lay the foundation for national prosperity. President Tinubu has demonstrated that courage by taking decisions successive administrations were unwilling to make,” he stated.
Returning to Mr. Obi’s interview, Hon. Oligbi argued that presidential interviews should provide candidates with opportunities to inspire confidence through policy depth, strategic thinking and practical solutions rather than broad declarations and political rhetoric.
“The Presidency is not an office for vague aspirations. It is an office that demands vision, preparation, competence and the capacity to make difficult decisions in the overriding interest of the nation. Nigerians deserve leaders who can provide clear answers to complex national challenges and inspire confidence through practical, implementable solutions.”
Hon. Oligbi therefore called on Nigerians to remain steadfast in their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration, expressing confidence that the ongoing reforms would, in the long run, deliver sustainable economic growth, improved security, greater prosperity and a stronger Nigeria.
He urged citizens to exercise patience and continue supporting policies aimed at rebuilding the nation’s economy, strengthening institutions and laying a solid foundation for future generations.
He concluded by urging Nigerians to evaluate leaders based on competence, courage, integrity and their commitment to implementing policies capable of guaranteeing lasting peace, economic prosperity and sustainable national development.
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