Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, has urged both the Executive and Legislative branches of government to promptly initiate a review of the 2024 budget and allocate funds to vital sectors.
In response to the controversies surrounding the budget, Obi emphasized the need to revisit the appropriations early on to ensure that public resources are directed towards crucial areas such as security and poverty alleviation. In a statement posted on his social media handle on Monday, the former Anambra State Governor expressed his concerns, stating, “Having observed the controversies surrounding the 2024 budget and reviewed some of its provisions, I respectfully appeal for a comprehensive review of the entire budget.”Obi stressed the importance of reallocating resources to critical sectors, including security, poverty alleviation, addressing food insecurity, and improving power supply, particularly given the challenging times faced by the nation.
Highlighting the alarming rate of kidnappings and violent crimes in Nigeria, Obi cited a report by the Financial Times, which labeled the country’s kidnapping epidemic as indicative of a failed state. He emphasized the need to address these security challenges to restore investor confidence, both locally and internationally.
Drawing attention to the dire state of basic amenities, Obi pointed out the widespread lack of access to electricity, inadequate healthcare facilities, and the staggering number of out-of-school children in the country.
In light of these challenges, Obi urged government officials to prioritize the needs of the nation by reallocating resources to address pressing issues. He called for a collective effort and sacrifice to build a better Nigeria, emphasizing that positive change is still attainable.
