ABUJA/Nigeria: In a bold statement, Peter Obi, the standard bearer of the Labour Party, in the 2023 Presidential Election, has condemned the decision of Nigeria’s Accountant-General’s Office to hold a workshop in London. Obi characterized the move as a glaring display of insensitivity to the troubling situation in the country.
Writing on his official handle on Saturday, Obi stated, “Nigerians must vehemently denounce and condemn the decision of Nigeria’s Accountant-General’s Office to hold a workshop in London. This decision is not only unacceptable but also deeply troubling on multiple levels.”
The former Governor of Anambra State expressed concern over the prevailing hardship in Nigeria and the depreciated state of the national currency, stating that any public function abroad amounts to a lack of sensitivity on the part of the government and involved agencies or individuals.
Obi emphasized the need for fiscal responsibility and prudent expenditure of public funds, especially during challenging economic times. He argued that resources allocated for such purposes should be directed towards addressing pressing domestic needs such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and poverty alleviation.
Furthermore, Obi criticized the workshop’s location in London, highlighting the negative message it sends to Nigerians and the international community. He asserted that holding such events abroad perpetuates the perception of government officials indulging in luxury and extravagance at the expense of the common citizen, fostering a culture of elitism and detachment from the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians.
The former governor also questioned the necessity and effectiveness of conducting a workshop abroad, noting that Nigeria has numerous highly qualified professionals and experts capable of providing the required training and expertise. He argued that outsourcing such activities to foreign countries undermines local expertise and fails to leverage the wealth of knowledge and experience within Nigeria’s borders.
Additionally, Obi raised concerns about transparency and accountability in government procurement processes, calling for full disclosure and justification for why London was chosen as the venue, as well as how vendors and contractors were selected. He emphasized the need to investigate any hint of impropriety or favoritism in awarding contracts for such events.
In conclusion, Peter Obi reiterated his belief in the possibility of a new Nigeria, urging Nigerians to resist and denounce what he described as recklessness and a clear show of feelinglessness.
