Obi Seeks Reduction In Cost Of Governance In Reaction To Dwindling Economy
Mr Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra has said that the state of Nigerian economy can no longer sustain the bogus cost governance at the national and subnational levels.
Obi said this at an award ceremony organised by the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Alumni Association in Awka with theme “Survival Strategy in a Devastated Economy”
Obi who was the Keynote Speaker said high cost of governance itself was a contributory factor to the country’s bad economy and must be trimmed down to make more resources available for the purpose of providing basic needs for citizens.
The Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in 2019 election berated leaders squander money on frivolities instead of investing in ventures or human capital.
According to him, these visionary spending would have a positive effect on the Gross Domestic Product of the country and the living standard of the people.
“Our leaders have failed the country by their failure to cut down unnecessary expenditures but instead mortgage the country’s future by relying on incessant borrowing and accumulation of debts.
“Cost of governance in Nigeria is unacceptable, it is time the government started cutting the cost of governance and frivolities to save money for the country,” he said.
Also speaking, Prof Jerry Gana, former minister of information said there was urgent need to pull the Nigerian economy from the brink of collapse.
Gana said salvaging the economy was one sure way if addressing the deteriorating security situation
He said the the 2023 election would not be business as usual because Nigeria waz in a very dangerous situation.
“Nigeria needs to be rescued, transformed and that is the biggest solution to the problem,” he said.
In a remark, NAU Vice-chancellor, Prof Charles Esimone, said Alumni Association were okoortdnf for the survival of institutions.
Esimone urge NAU alumni members to consider contributing their quota to the growth and development of the university and the society at large.
Mr Kingsley Nwafor, National President of the body said the event was to provide members the opportunity to reunite and interact on ways to make their alma mater better.
55 personalities were recognised including Obi, Obinna Iyiegbu (Obi Cubana) Prof Gana among others.
They were honoured in recognition of of their various contributions to the socio-economic development and enhancement of education in the society.
