Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general election, has criticized the Accountant General of the Federation for organizing a workshop for State Commissioners of Finance in London amidst Nigerians’ economic hardship.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Obi expressed dismay at the lack of sensitivity displayed by the Accountant General’s office, considering the country’s current challenging situation. He emphasized the need for Nigerians to unite and condemn such extravagant activities.
Taking to his social media platform, Obi condemned the decision to hold the workshop abroad, labeling it unacceptable and deeply troubling. He highlighted the inappropriate use of taxpayer funds for lavish overseas events, especially in light of Nigeria’s economic struggles.
Obi emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility and prudent expenditure of public funds, stressing that resources allocated for workshops abroad should instead address pressing domestic needs such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and poverty alleviation.
The workshop, focusing on public financial management and international public sector accounting standards (IPSAS), drew widespread public criticism, with many Nigerians viewing it as wasteful amidst the country’s economic crises, including high inflation rates. However, Bawa Mokwa, the director of press at the Accountant General’s office, clarified that the workshop is an annual event held in the UK due to the residency of the facilitators.
Mokwa explained that the workshop involves sub-committees of the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) and commissioners of finance from the 36 states. He justified the choice of location by stating that the resource persons are residents of the UK and that the workshop adheres strictly to its objectives.
