Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, recently condemned the popular claims of receiving sudden, unexplained bank alerts after prayer, labeling such occurrences as acts of theft.
Appearing on the “Honest Bunch” podcast hosted by Nedu and Husband Material, Obi argued that individuals who make these claims should face legal action.
“God blesses hard work, productivity, and industry—not those who are simply idle,” he stated. “Anyone claiming to receive bank alerts through prayer alone should be arrested. That money belongs to someone else.”
Obi’s remarks address a common narrative in some Nigerian religious circles, where people often share testimonies of unexpected financial gains as divine blessings. He emphasized that genuine success comes from consistent effort and dedication.
During the interview, Obi also spoke about corruption in leadership, highlighting gender as a factor in ethical governance. Reflecting on his time as governor of Anambra State, he shared his approach of appointing women to high-ranking roles such as Chief of Staff and commissioners for Education and Planning, noting their effectiveness and ethical standards.
“Women generally have a stronger commitment to family and societal welfare, which makes them less corrupt than men,” he remarked. “Because of their dedication to their families, they are often more driven to ensure things function properly.”
Obi called for increased female participation in governance, suggesting that empowering women in leadership roles could foster integrity and help reduce corruption across Nigeria.