Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, continues to voice his concerns regarding the 2024 budget, emphasizing its profound impact on citizens’ welfare, particularly the less privileged.
“It is evident that there are items in the budget that do not align with our current circumstances, and it is imperative to call for a review and appropriate virement. Allocating our scarce resources to high-priority areas of need is essential for the well-being of the nation,” Obi stated.
Through a recent statement, Obi highlighted discrepancies within the budget, calling for a thorough review and reallocation of resources to address pressing societal needs.
He said, “Allocating N15 billion solely for the National Assembly hospital is unacceptable, especially when it exceeds five times the budgetary allocation to The National Hospital or the combined capital vote of our six major teaching hospitals across the nation.
One of Obi’s main points of contention is the allocation of N15 billion exclusively for the National Assembly hospital, which he argues surpasses the combined budgetary allocation for major teaching hospitals nationwide. He deems this allocation unjust and indicative of neglect towards broader healthcare needs.
Additionally, Obi criticizes the substantial budget of N15.3 billion earmarked for the National Assembly library project and book procurement, especially in light of the prolonged construction of the National Library. He questions the prioritization of the former over the latter, considering the critical role a National Library plays in fostering education and knowledge dissemination.
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Moreover, Obi expresses dismay over the allocation of N10 billion for the construction of car parks and recreational facilities for the Senate and House of Representatives, juxtaposed with insufficient funding for the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation. He underscores the importance of investing in sectors vital for national development, such as science and technology, to ensure long-term prosperity.
He said, “Allocating N10 billion for the Senate’s and House of Representatives’ car parks and the National Assembly Recreation Centre, while allocating less to the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, is concerning.
“In an era where science, technology and innovation are crucial for the nation’s future, such allocations demonstrate a lack of foresight and basic awareness of global trends and urgent national priorities,” he stated.
“This level of insensitivity to the present situation and challenges faced by the people should not be tolerated by any development-minded nation. Every scarce resource must be directed towards productive sectors of the economy.“
“It is time for our nation to reassess its priorities, revisit the budget, eliminate frivolous expenditures and channel our resources properly for the benefit of the people. No great nation is built on a foundation of waste and frivolity,” he declared.
