Peter Obi Condemns Office of Accountant-General's Decision to Hold Workshop in London: Calls for Prudent Use of Public Funds and Focus on Urgent Domestic Needs | #NwokeukwuMascot

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Presidential candidate Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) for the 2023 general elections expressed strong criticism towards the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation for their decision to hold a workshop in London. In a series of posts on X platform, Obi called on Nigerians to strongly oppose and condemn this decision, emphasizing that it demonstrates a complete disregard for fiscal responsibility and the responsible use of public funds.

Obi firmly believes that the resources allocated for such purposes should instead be directed towards addressing urgent domestic needs, including healthcare, education, infrastructure, and poverty alleviation. Given the current challenges faced by Nigeria, such as the struggling economy, inflation, currency devaluation, and widening budget deficits, it is highly irresponsible to waste taxpayer money on extravagant overseas workshops.

Obi also raised concerns about the necessity and effectiveness of conducting such a workshop abroad, especially in a city as expensive as London. Nigeria possesses a wealth of highly qualified professionals and experts who are more than capable of providing the required training and expertise. By outsourcing such activities to foreign countries, the government not only undermines local expertise but also fails to leverage the knowledge and experience within its own borders.

The former governor of Anambra State said, “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.

 

“Given the prevailing hardship in the country and the pitiable State of our national currency and the economy in general, any public function abroad amounts to insensitivity on the part of the government and any agency or individuals involved.

 

“First and foremost, it represents a blatant disregard for fiscal responsibility and prudent expenditure of public funds. At a time when Nigeria is grappling with economic challenges, including inflation, currency devaluation, and a widening budget deficit, it is utterly irresponsible to squander taxpayer money on extravagant overseas workshops. 

 

“The resources allocated for such purposes should be directed towards addressing pressing domestic needs, such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and poverty alleviation.

 

“Furthermore, holding a workshop in London sends the wrong message to the Nigerian people and the international community. It perpetuates the perception of government officials indulging in luxury and extravagance at the expense of the common citizen.”

 

According to him, “It fosters a culture of elitism and detachment from the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians, who struggle daily to make ends meet amidst rising living costs and limited access to essential services.

 

“Moreover, there are serious questions regarding the necessity and effectiveness of conducting a workshop abroad, particularly in a city as expensive as London. Nigeria is home to numerous highly qualified professionals and experts who are more than capable of providing the required training and expertise.”

Click here to read Peter Obi’s post.

Obi concluded by stating that in the new Nigeria they aspire to create, such frivolous decisions would be unthinkable. They envision a new nation that embraces possibilities and prioritizes the well-being of its citizens. 

“Additionally, holding a workshop in London raises concerns about transparency and accountability in government procurement processes. There must be full disclosure and justification for why London was chosen as the venue, as well as how the selection of vendors and contractors was made.” 

 

He also said that “Any hint of impropriety or favouritism in awarding contracts for such events must be thoroughly investigated and addressed.

 

“In the new Nigeria we seek, this type of frivolity would be unthinkable. That new nation is a land of the possible.”