In a scathing statement issued on Monday, former presidential candidate Peter Obi lambasted the Nigerian government for its lavish spending on luxury items amidst the country’s economic struggles.
Peter Obi specifically targeted the purchase of presidential jets, noting that the average age of the fleet is 12 years, acquired when most Nigerians could barely afford basic necessities.
Obi emphasized that instead of indulging in extravagance, the government should focus on alleviating the suffering of its citizens and addressing pressing challenges, including a high debt profile. He criticized the leadership for prioritizing luxuries over the needs of the society, citing the country’s downward spiral as a result.
The former governor highlighted Nigeria’s dwindling economic status, pointing out that despite dropping to the fourth-largest economy in Africa, with a GDP of $252 billion and a per capita income of $1,080, the government continues to spend extravagantly.
He specifically mentioned the $15 million allocation for the Vice President’s residence as an example of the government’s “impunity, insensitivity, and shamelessness.”
Obi urged the government to refocus on essential areas such as education, healthcare, and poverty reduction, emphasizing the need for a shift in priorities to address the plight of Nigerians.
His statement resonated with many, who share concerns about the country’s economic direction and the government’s spending habits.
The statement reads in part, “It’s on record that our presidential jets have an average age of 12 years, purchased when most Nigerians could afford basic necessities. Now, as our country faces significant challenges, including a high debt profile, our citizens are in even greater need.
“Instead of adding to our luxuries, we should be focused on alleviating their suffering and finding solutions to their problems. For long, our bad leadership has made our priorities, as leaders, to be at variance to the needs of society, which is why we are headed now south, as a nation.
“To elucidate further, despite dropping down to the fourth-largest economy in Africa, with a GDP of $252 billion and a per capita income of $1,080, with huge debt burdens and borrowing to service debts, yet, we are spending $15 million for our Vice President’s residence.
“It’s, therefore, time to stop this impunity, insensitivity, and shamelessness and refocus on the needs of our people. We must prioritize education, healthcare, and lifting our citizens out of poverty.”
