‘It’s disheartening’ — Obi faults N15bn proposed for VP’s residence in 2024 budget

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, says Nigeria needs leaders who are willing to make sacrifices for it to progress.

Obi in a thread on his X page on Monday said the proposed N27 trillion 2024 budget presented to the national assembly last week by President Bola Tinubu contains non-essential things while millions of Nigerians are suffering.

“Even as I am still studying the 2024 fiscal budget as presented to the National Assembly last week, I cannot wait as I am compelled to ask what is exactly wrong with us as a country,” Obi wrote.

“I ask this question because it is hard for me to understand some of the recent happenings in our nation, in these critical times.

“The recent news about a budget provision of N15 billion for the construction of a new residence for the Vice President is both shocking and disheartening, considering the many important challenges facing our nation.

“Just recently in the Supplementary Budget, the sum of N2.5 billion was included for the renovation of the Vice President’s residence in Abuja, which means that he already has a residence.

“Our health facilities have collapsed, and unemployment is skyrocketing. I am convinced that 99.9% of Nigerians can only dream of living in the current residence of the Vice President.

“This is the finance needed to develop the much-needed human capital.

“The budget of N5 billion for student loans, which is yet to be disbursed is only a tiny percentage of the cost of the Vice President’s new home.

“I am sure the major teaching hospitals in Nsukka, Lagos, Ibadan, and Zaria did not receive this much capital vote in the budget this year.”

The former Anambra governor said having compassionate leaders in power is critical in the journey of a new Nigeria.

“Our leaders must therefore stop the recklessness and insensitivity to the plight of the masses,” he added.

“We need leaders who show compassion and are willing to sacrifice for common progress and development. Such compassionate and frugal leaders are critical in our journey to the New Nigeria.”