Obi says he did not ask diaspora Nigerians to abandon family

Peter Obi said he did not ask Nigerians living abroad to abandon relatives or stop supporting them, clarifying that his concern was the economic dependence of families in Nigeria on money sent from overseas. His statement followed backlash over remarks he made at a town hall in Manchester. In a statement posted on X on Tuesday, October 20, the former Anambra State governor said he appreciated the sacrifices of Nigerians in the diaspora and the remittances they send home. He noted that the money helps families pay for school fees, hospital bills, rent and food, and said those contributions deserved respect. Obi said his concern was that millions of Nigerians rely on relatives abroad for basic needs. He argued that the country should provide jobs, affordable health care, quality education and economic opportunities so people are less dependent on financial support from family members overseas. The clarification addressed comments attributed to Obi at a town hall with diaspora supporters in Manchester. Reports of the remarks said he urged Nigerians in the United Kingdom to tell relatives seeking money, “Tell them no!” He argued that financial help might ease immediate hardship...