Peter Obi Calls for Tougher Penalties on Corruption, Citing China as Model

Former Nigerian presidential candidate and Labour Party leader, Peter Obi, has renewed his call for radical anti-corruption reforms, advocating for harsher penalties for corrupt officials, including life imprisonment and the death sentence, similar to measures enforced in China.

In a recent interview, Obi emphasized that corruption remains the biggest obstacle to Africa’s development, particularly in Nigeria, where systemic mismanagement has hindered economic growth and productivity. He argued that leadership failure has led to widespread inefficiencies, preventing the country from harnessing its vast resources and youthful population.

Obi pointed to China’s strict anti-corruption laws, which impose severe consequences on officials found guilty of embezzlement and financial misconduct. He suggested that adopting similar policies in Nigeria could deter corrupt practices and restore integrity in governance.

“We deal with corruption aggressively,” Obi stated. “Maybe what the Chinese people are doing—make sure that if there is an amount of money you steal, it is a death sentence; there is an amount you steal, it is life imprisonment; there is an amount you steal, it is not less than 10 years.”