Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, urged President Bola Tinubu to intensify efforts to combat corruption within the public sector and focus on addressing the nation’s pressing economic and security challenges.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Obi emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in public procurement and contract execution.
“The focus should be on eliminating current and future official malfeasance through increased transparency and accountability in public procurement and contract award processes, as well as thorough monitoring of execution to ensure that limited resources are efficiently utilized and applied productively,” Obi stated.
He also called for a shift in borrowing practices, insisting that any future loans must be tied to regenerative investments and tangible assets that benefit the nation.
Obi criticized the current debt accumulation practices, warning they impose undue strain on future development revenue.
“All future borrowing must be tied to regenerative investments and visible, productive assets that benefit the nation.
This will ensure both productivity and the ability to service and amortize such loans, rather than continuing the current practice of accumulating massive debt with no tangible returns,” he added.
Obi expressed concern over Tinubu’s frequent overseas travels, noting that the president had reportedly spent over 30% of his time in office abroad, covering more than 30 publicly recorded trips.
“Mr. President, out of the approximately 580 days (as of December 29, 2024) you have been in office, it is reported that you have spent over 30%, or around 180 days, on more than 30 publicly recorded overseas trips.
My appeal is that you dedicate at least 20% of 2025, roughly 72 days, to visit each of Nigeria’s 36 states for two days each,” Obi advised.
He also suggested that Tinubu consider using Nigeria’s medical facilities for personal healthcare to demonstrate confidence in the nation’s health institutions.
“It is time for you to visit our national hospitals.
Consider, for example, that your next medical examination be conducted at one of our National Hospitals or Regional Federal Medical Centres, such as the FMC in Sokoto or Birnin Kebbi or Calabar or Umuahia or Akure, among others,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State Governor concluded by stressing that addressing corruption and engaging more with Nigerians would significantly improve governance and restore public trust.
