Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has reiterated his commitment to raising concerns about the 2024 budget, emphasizing its crucial impact on citizens, especially the less privileged. In a statement released on Tuesday, Obi expressed dissatisfaction with the budget, stating that it poses significant challenges to the nation's development and the welfare of its people.
Obi highlighted specific issues in the budget, such as the allocation of N15 billion solely for the National Assembly hospital, which he deemed unacceptable. He criticized this allocation for surpassing the budgetary allocations to The National Hospital and the combined capital vote of six major teaching hospitals in Nigeria, reflecting a lack of concern for the broader society's well-being.
Additionally, Obi questioned the N15.3 billion budgetary allocation for the National Assembly library project and procurement of books, including the e-Library, given the prolonged construction of the National Library. He described the justification for this allocation as disappointing, considering the National Library's meager budgetary allocation of less than 1 billion Naira for 2024.
Furthermore, Obi expressed concern over the allocation of N10 billion for the Senate's and House of Representatives' car parks and the National Assembly Recreation Centre, contrasting this with the lesser allocation to the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing science, technology, and innovation for the nation's future, criticizing the budget's lack of foresight and awareness of global trends.
Obi called for a reassessment of priorities, a thorough review of the budget, and the elimination of frivolous expenditures. He emphasized the need to redirect scarce resources towards productive sectors of the economy, stating that no great nation is built on a foundation of waste and frivolity.
