Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last Nigeria general election, has voiced strong criticism against the recent allocation of N60 billion by federal lawmakers for the purchase of SUV vehicles.
In a statement posted on X on Thursday, Obi expressed concern over what he considers a “troubling trend” of extravagant government spending, particularly in light of the limited resources available in Nigeria.
The former Anambra State governor contends that the allocation of SUVs for approximately 400 legislators exemplifies a larger issue in the country. He laments the neglect of crucial areas of development while substantial resources are directed towards unnecessary luxuries and conveniences for elected officials who are meant to serve the public.
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“We have continued to abandon the critical areas of development measurement while expending scarce resources on needless luxury and creating comforts for those elected to serve the people,” he lamented.
One of the primary areas of concern highlighted by Obi is the state of primary healthcare, a critical aspect of public health and a key indicator of development. He points out that Nigeria’s infant mortality rates have surpassed that of India, a country with a population seven times larger.
Obi finds it distressing that a significant sum has been allocated for vehicles, an expenditure greater than what has been designated for primary healthcare.
“Our primary healthcare, which is the foundation of health, a critical development index measure, has collapsed, leading to our surpassing India, a country 7 times our population, in infant mortality, a very saddening situation,” said Obi.
“To allocate such a huge amount, which is more than what we allocated to our primary health care, is nothing but troubling,” he added.
Drawing from his experience as a former governor of Anambra State, Obi highlights his prudent use of resources. He suggests that with proper negotiation, one-third of the allocated amount could have been used to purchase locally manufactured SUVs from companies like Innoson Motors, PAN, or other local auto assembly plants. This, he argues, would not only stimulate the economy but also generate and maintain jobs.
He narrated, “Upon my being sworn in as the then Governor of Anambra State, I observed that our State High Court Judges, State Government Permanent Secretaries and newly appointed State Commissioners had no vehicles. The Anambra State Government had then ordered for two bulletproof SUV vehicles for my use. I canceled the order and used the same money to negotiate a concessionary pricing with Peugeot Automobiles to supply us with Sixty 406 vehicles which were enough for all the cabinet members including myself and my deputy governor.”
Obi emphasizes that such extravagant expenditures would not have been considered during his administration. He calls on all parties involved to steer away from this pattern of wasteful use of public resources, emphasizing that a more responsible and transparent Nigeria is achievable.
This statement from Obi adds to the ongoing discourse regarding the allocation of public funds. The purchase of multi billion naira SUVs by Nigerian lawmakers stirred strong criticism from members of the public who see it as a misplaced priority, especially as the country is grappling with soaring public debt.