Peter Obi criticizes Tinubu's administration for proposing to spend N10 billion on constructing a car park and other facilities in the national assembly

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POLITICS

Presidential candidate Peter Obi of the Labour Party has criticized the federal government led by President Bola Tinubu for its plan to spend N10 billion on a car park and recreational facilities for the National Assembly members.

Peter Obi criticized the government’s irresponsible financial practices and urged the federal authorities to channel funds primarily into essential areas.

On Monday, Obi expressed concerns about the dismal quality of Nigeria’s education system in a series of posts on his online platform. He highlighted the low percentage of students enrolled in secondary and higher education institutions, comparing it to international standards.

The ex-governor of Anambra pointed out the gap between Nigeria’s spending decisions and its essential development requirements. He mentioned that the worldwide average for secondary school attendance exceeds 80%, whereas Nigeria’s rate is only 28%, highlighting the need for improved education infrastructure.

As Nigeria, the largest nation in Africa, I’m concerned about our government’s financial irresponsibility. Consider our poor education system: while the global average for secondary school enrollment is over 80%, Nigeria’s is only 28%. And while the global average for higher education enrollment is over 55%, Nigeria’s is less than 15%. Despite this, our budget includes N6 billion for parking spaces and N4 billion for recreational facilities for our lawmakers.

The government has allotted only 1 billion naira for the construction of hostels in 12 higher education institutions. It’s imperative to end this financial mismanagement and emphasize responsible resource allocation, particularly in essential areas like education and national development. Investing in education is crucial to addressing the country’s educational challenges and securing its future.

In the meantime, Obi has generously donated N10 million to the College of Nursing Sciences in Adazi Nnuku, located in the Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra.

Obi personally presented the check to Most Rev. Dr. Paulinus Ezeokafor, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Awka and the proprietor of the institution. Obi emphasized the vital role that nurses play in Nigeria’s healthcare system, considering the immense significance and demanding nature of their profession.

He emphasized that nurses are highly deserving of the recognition and support they receive.

“Institutions like this should receive adequate funding due to the exceptional work they undertake in educating nurses who provide unwavering care to patients.”