Peter Obi has recalled responding to an overnight erosion disaster during his tenure as Anambra State governor, saying the experience reflects the type of leadership required during emergencies.
Speaking on an episode of the With Chude podcast released on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, Obi said he received a phone call at about 2:00 a.m. reporting that a house had collapsed into an erosion gully in Ekwulobia.
“I had an erosion in a place called Ekwulobia. By 2:00 a.m. my phone rang and they said there’s an erosion, and a house had collapsed into it. I left my place in Awka and drove to that site at 2 a.m.,” he said.
Obi said he immediately contacted the President from the disaster scene to seek prompt federal intervention. He argued that effective leadership requires public office holders to take personal responsibility during emergencies rather than relying solely on subordinates.
The former governor said leaders should respond swiftly to crises, maintaining that empathy, accessibility and decisive action are essential qualities in protecting communities during times of distress.
