By Gabriella Ogbu
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has called on President Bola Tinubu to prioritize tackling corruption in Nigeria’s public service.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Obi emphasized the urgent need for thorough investigations into missing or misappropriated funds and measures to curb corrupt practices.
He urged the government to enhance transparency and accountability in public procurement and contract awards, ensuring projects are efficiently executed to maximize national resources.
Obi also advocated linking all future borrowing to regenerative investments and productive assets, criticizing the accumulation of debt without visible benefits.
“All borrowing must be tied to productive ventures that generate returns and can service such loans,” Obi stated.
The former Anambra State governor also criticized Tinubu’s frequent overseas travels, noting that the president had spent over 30% of his time abroad—roughly 180 days on more than 30 trips.
Obi urged Tinubu to dedicate more time to engaging Nigeria’s 36 states, spending at least two days in each state to better understand the nation’s challenges.
Obi further recommended that Tinubu conduct his medical checkups in Nigeria’s national hospitals to lead by example in addressing the nation’s healthcare shortcomings.
His comments underscore a broader call for improved governance, national unity, and direct engagement to address Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.
