The Guardian (Nigeria)

Obi Flays Accountant General For Hosting Workshop In London

- From John Akubo, Abuja

TLabour Party’s standard bearer in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, has called out the Accountant General of the Federation for hosting a workshop in London. He described the action as the highest level of insensitiv­ity of the office in the face of the economic reality in the country.

Obi said Nigerians must resist and denounce such recklessne­ss, which he described as a clear show of “feelingles­sness.”

Writing on his X handle yesterday, Obi said: “Nigerians must vehemently denounce and condemn the decision of Nigeria’s Accountant- General’s Office to hold a workshop in London. This decision is not only unacceptab­le but also deeply troubling on multiple levels. “Given the prevailing hardship in the country and the pitiables state of our national currency, any public function abroad amounts to insensitiv­ity on the part of the government and any agency or individual­s involved. “First and foremost, it represents a blatant disregard for fiscal responsibi­lity and prudent expenditur­e of public funds. At a time when Nigeria is grappling with economic challenges, including inflation, currency devaluatio­n and a widening budget deficit, it is utterly irresponsi­ble to squander taxpayer money on extravagan­t overseas workshops. The resources allocated for such purposes should be directed towards addressing pressing domestic needs, such as healthcare, education, infrastruc­ture and poverty alleviatio­n.

“Furthermor­e, holding a workshop in London sends the wrong message to the Nigerian people and the internatio­nal community. It perpetuate­s the perception of government officials indulging in luxury and extravagan­ce at the expense of the common citizen. It fosters a culture of elitism and detachment from the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians, who struggle daily to make ends meet amidst rising living costs and limited access to essential services. “Moreover, there are serious questions regarding the necessity and effectiven­ess of conducting a workshop abroad, particular­ly in a city as expensive as London. Nigeria is home to numerous highly qualified profession­als and experts who are more than capable of providing the required training and expertise.”

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