Lagos, Nigeria – Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has strongly criticized the Federal Government following reports that it spent approximately $9 million on foreign lobbyists in Washington, D.C., labeling it a “painful reminder” of misplaced priorities.
In a statement posted on his social media platform X on Friday, Obi described the alleged expenditure as part of a persistent habit of prioritizing waste and propaganda over tangible development. He argued that the funds could have been better used to address critical national issues, such as improving healthcare infrastructure.
“It is both tragic and concerning that our leaders continue to prioritize waste, corruption, propaganda, lies, and negative aspects of development over positive initiatives,” Obi stated. He highlighted Nigeria’s stagnant position on the Human Development Index (HDI) for 35 years and the country’s poor global rankings in life expectancy and maternal mortality.
Obi emphasized that the $9 million “is sufficient to fund the entire 2024 capital budget for at least one major teaching hospital in each zone,” directly improving survival rates and healthcare delivery. He attributed Nigeria’s development crisis to “poor leadership choices” and a lack of discipline in prioritizing public funds.
The former Anambra State governor concluded by urging that every naira of taxpayers’ money should serve the Nigerian people, calling for an end to the “constant prioritization of trivial matters.”
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Disclaimer: This report is based on a public statement by Peter Obi concerning alleged government expenditure. CDA News Nigeria has not independently verified the claims about the lobbying deal or the figures mentioned.
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