The ex- Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate Mr Peter Obi on Saturday took a swipe at the Accountant-General of the Federation, AGF, Mrs Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein, for approving a workshop in London at a time the country was grappling with food inflation and economic hardships.
Obi in a statement posted on his social media handles said “Nigerians must vehemently denounce and condemn the decision of Nigeria’s Accountant-General’s Office to hold a workshop in London.”” adding that “Given the prevailing hardship in the country and the pitiable State of our national currency and the economy in general, any public function abroad amounts to insensitivity on the part of the government and any agency or individuals involved.”
Obi said the decision represents a blatant disregard for fiscal responsibility and prudent expenditure of public funds, at a time when Nigeria is grappling with economic challenges, including inflation, currency devaluation, and a widening budget deficit.
“it is utterly irresponsible to squander taxpayer money on extravagant overseas workshops. The resources allocated for such purposes should be directed towards addressing pressing domestic needs, such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and poverty alleviation.“
The former Anambra State Governor further noted that holding a workshop in London raises concerns about transparency and accountability in government procurement processes.
He demanded for “full disclosure and justification for why London was chosen as the venue, as well as how the selection of vendors and contractors was made.“
Daily Intel recalls that the Office of the AGF had between March 4 and March 9, 2024 held a workshop on Public Financial Management and International Public Sector Accounting Standards in London, UK.
The foreign workshop which angered Nigerians and rights groups was described by many as a display of insensitivity to the suffering Nigerians, saying such a workshop should have been held within the country to save costs.
