Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, has condemned the decision of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) to hold a workshop in London for state commissioners of finance and accountant generals. Obi expressed his concerns over the insensitivity of such an action amidst the economic challenges faced by Nigerians.
In a statement shared on his X handle, Obi emphasized the need for Nigerians to vehemently denounce and condemn the holding of workshops abroad, particularly in a city as expensive as London. He criticized the allocation of public funds for extravagant overseas events, highlighting the importance of directing resources towards addressing pressing domestic needs such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and poverty alleviation.
Obi raised questions about the necessity and effectiveness of conducting workshops abroad when Nigeria has numerous qualified professionals capable of providing the required training and expertise. He emphasized the importance of leveraging local expertise and fostering transparency and accountability in government procurement processes.
The former presidential candidate underscored the need for full disclosure and justification for choosing London as the workshop venue, as well as transparency in the selection of vendors and contractors. He called for thorough investigation into any hint of impropriety or favouritism in awarding contracts for such events.
Overall, Obi’s criticism reflects concerns over fiscal responsibility, prudent expenditure of public funds, and accountability in government actions, particularly in light of the economic challenges facing Nigeria and its citizens.