Peter Obi Challenges Tinubu to Account for ₦15.8tn Subsidy Savings and $100bn Loans

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), has challenged President Bola Tinubu to explain how his administration has utilised the ₦15.8 trillion saved from fuel subsidy removal and over $100 billion in borrowings. Obi issued a statement titled ‘Good Day, Mr President: Nigerians Deserve Accountability’, demanding to know the tangible benefits of the resources that had accrued to the Federal Government since Tinubu assumed office. Nigerians deserve to know how the resources have been used, Obi said.

Obi's statement comes after Tinubu's visit to Akwa Ibom State, where he reportedly spent a night outside Lagos and Abuja. While acknowledging the President's visit, Obi expressed hope that it would encourage him to travel to other states, interact with citizens, and give account of his administration's stewardship. Obi wants the President to use such visits to explain the utilisation of the subsidy savings and loans. This would provide clarity on the administration's economic policies and their impact on citizens.

The NDC presidential candidate questioned the impact of the administration's economic policies on poverty reduction, education, healthcare, electricity supply, and national security. Nigerians deserve to know how many people have been lifted out of poverty, how many out-of-school children have returned to classrooms, and how many functional primary healthcare centres have been established. Obi also demanded an explanation of the extent to which electricity supply has improved.

Obi recalled Tinubu's promise that Nigerians should not vote for him if he failed to fix the country's power sector. The administration owes Nigerians an account of its efforts to tackle insecurity, noting that the country remains among the most terrorised nations in the world. Obi insisted that public resources must translate into measurable improvements in the living conditions of citizens.

Governance should be assessed by tangible outcomes rather than revenue generation and policy announcements, Obi said. He argued that the New Nigeria they want to build will be based on accountability, transparency, and the physical, measurable impact of public resources on citizens' lives.

Obi's challenge to Tinubu is a call for transparency and accountability in governance. The President's administration has accrued significant resources, and Nigerians deserve to know how they have been utilised. Obi's statement has sparked a renewed call for accountability in the country's governance.

The issue has sparked a national conversation on the need for transparency and accountability in governance. As the country continues to grapple with economic challenges, citizens are demanding more transparency and accountability from their leaders.

Key points

• Peter Obi challenges President Tinubu to account for ₦15.8tn subsidy savings and $100bn loans.
• Obi demands explanation on utilisation of resources and impact on poverty reduction, education, healthcare, electricity supply, and national security.
• The issue has sparked a renewed call for accountability and transparency in governance.