Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate for the 2023 election, has strongly criticized the Accountant-General’s Office for organizing a workshop in London.
Expressing his dismay, Obi stressed the imperative for Nigerians to vehemently reject and condemn such decisions, deeming them unacceptable and deeply concerning on various fronts.
In a statement shared on social media on Saturday, Obi underscored the incongruity of hosting public functions abroad amidst the prevailing hardships within the country.
“Given the current economic challenges and the dire state of our national currency and economy, holding any public event overseas reflects insensitivity on the part of the government or any involved entity,” Obi remarked.
He denounced the act as a blatant disregard for fiscal responsibility and prudent expenditure of public funds, particularly at a time when Nigeria is grappling with inflation, currency devaluation, and a widening budget deficit. Instead, he advocated for directing resources towards pressing domestic needs such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and poverty alleviation.
Obi emphasized that organizing a workshop in London sends the wrong message both domestically and internationally, perpetuating the perception of government officials indulging in luxury while the citizens struggle. He questioned the necessity and effectiveness of conducting workshops abroad, highlighting the wealth of local expertise available within Nigeria.
The former Anambra State Governor also raised concerns about transparency and accountability in government procurement processes, calling for full disclosure and justification of the choice of London as the venue, as well as the selection of vendors and contractors.
“In the new Nigeria we seek, this type of frivolity would be unthinkable. That new nation is a land of the POssible,” Obi concluded, emphasizing the need for a transformative approach to governance.
