There is Money in Nigeria, But We The Leaders Are Wasteful – Ex-Governor Peter Obi opens up

Some say he is one of the very few honest politicians in Nigeria, who doesn't live like a king...

Former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has lamented the country’s economic crisis and laid the blame on public office holders.

Speaking at The Platform organized by Covenant Christian Center, Obi charged Nigerians to stop celebrating criminality (thief politicians), saying there is enough money for all Nigerians.

Obi, who spoke on the topic: Cutting cost in governance, said he saved over N75b for Anambra.

He said he saved $50m and N7b in Access bank, $55m and N10b in Fidelity bank, and $155.4m in Diamond bank.

According to him, spending habit of most governors is what is causing poverty, adding that the states can still function on their income and still save money.

On calls to borrow money to boost the economy, Obi said “There is nothing wrong with borrowing. The crisis we are facing is that we do not know what we are using the money we are borrowing for. Nigeria can make good use of the money if the leaders reduce spending.” 

He asked Governors to spend less on running their offices and maintaining their aides.

Continuing, Obi said: “Do away with unconstitutional office of the First Lady. Reduce Governor’s cars to 2, instead of 6 bullet-proof cars. Reduce government house jeeps instead of 25 jeeps.”

Peter Obi recalled that it used to cost him and his contingent N10m per trip to Abuja when he travels.

Obi said he later cut down the expenses, because he found out that over 30 people who had nothing to do in Abuja were going with him.

“When Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo wanted to come to Anambra state, they were supposed to used N500m to construct a presidential lodge, but I asked the President to sleep in my house through-out his stay,” he said.

But will those occupying these offices listen?