By: Nwakaji Peace Martins
The Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has once again criticized the financial irresponsibility and misallocation of funds by the Federal Government.
In a statement released by Obi’s spokesperson, Dr. Tanko Yunusa, yesterday, the former Anambra State governor denounced the ongoing diversion of public resources to nonessential developmental areas.
Obi expressed disappointment over the fact that despite Nigeria’s dismal global ranking in school enrollment, the government plans to allocate a mere N1 billion for constructing hostels in 12 tertiary institutions while allocating N10 billion for building car parks and recreational facilities.
According to Tanko, Obi communicated through his platform, stating: “As the giant of Africa, I am deeply troubled by our nation’s fiscal indiscipline.” Consider the state of our education sector where the global average for secondary school enrollment exceeds 80 percent, yet Nigeria stands at 28 percent. The global average for tertiary school enrollment is above 55 percent, whereas Nigeria is below 15 percent. Yet, N6 billion is allocated for National Assembly car parks and N4 billion for recreational facilities. A meager N1 billion is earmarked for hostel construction in 12 tertiary institutions.
“It is imperative that we put an end to this financial indiscipline and adopt financial prudence by directing resources to crucial areas of human and national development,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Obi urged LP members nationwide to embrace reconciliation for the betterment of society.
During his visit to the party’s national secretariat in the Federal Capital Territory, Obi, accompanied by other loyalists, endorsed the newly elected National Working Committee (NWC) led by Julius Abure.
He encouraged disgruntled party members to prioritize the well-being of Nigerians and the nation above personal interests, especially considering the challenging times faced by many who struggle to afford basic necessities. “Surviving this challenge should be the primary concern for all Nigerians, not the next election. Our focus should be on the welfare of Nigerians, not elections,” Obi emphasized.
He highlighted that politicians often prioritize elections over governance, which should ideally focus on improving citizens’ lives.
Addressing a large crowd of party supporters at the event, Obi assured that he would collaborate with the leadership to ensure the LP maintains its leading position in the FCT.
He emphasized that political parties are only relevant because of Nigeria’s existence, hence the collective responsibility to work towards the country’s survival, as “Nigeria is our only homeland.”
Earlier, Abure called on disgruntled party members to set aside their differences and join forces in the fight to save Nigeria.
“We are at a critical juncture where Nigerians are grappling with economic challenges, with workers earning a meager N30,000 minimum wage, high inflation rates, and a significant number of citizens going to bed hungry.”
Abure expressed gratitude to Obi for his visit and assured him of the party’s commitment to restoring unity within its ranks.
