List of 6 Critical Things Peter Obi Said at the People’s Townhall That May Change Nigeria
- Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has listed some of the things he would do if elected as Nigerian president
- Speaking during the Peoples Townhall, the former Anambra state governor said fuel subsidy is an organised crime
- Going further, he promised to dismantle confusion in Ports Administration and declare war on the power sector
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Ahead of the 2023 presidential election, Nigerians have continued to interrogate candidates of the respective political parties.
Recently, the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed were special guests on the Peoples Townhall on Sunday, Channels TV reports.
Source: Twitter
At the event which was held in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, the LP flagbearer and his running mate discussed their plans for the country if elected.
Here are the main things they said:
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1. Fuel subsidy is an organised crime
Peter Obi said if elected, he will see to it that the fuel subsidy is removed.
“I can assure you, it will go immediately. Subsidy – I’ve said it before – is organised crime and I will not allow it to stay a day longer.
“What they’re telling you is not what it is. Half of what is being mentioned is not subsidy. First is that we consume the quantity that is not supposed to be consumed here. We are the same population with Pakistan. They consume below 50 percent of what we consume.
“So, the first half, I will remove it and give those people who are drinking it water – because that’s what they’re supposed to drink – so we can save the money."
2. Discuss with every agitator
The LP presidential candidate promised to discuss with agitators.
"We are in a democratic dispensation; you govern by discussing, you govern by consensus. So, I will sit down and discuss with every agitator without exception of name. We must use carrot and stick (approach).
“I will discuss with those who want to discuss. You have to look at what is causing agitations today; it is issues of injustice, issues of where there is no fairness, issues to do with poverty, unemployment.”
3. Dismantle confusion in Ports Administration
Obi said he would dismantle the confusion in Ports Administration and get the country to work.
According to him, the reason the ports seem to be operating inefficiently is that people feed off the inefficiencies and as such, they must be removed. He added that he will allow the private sector to build ports and manage them in collaboration with the government.
4. Declare war on power sector
The LP candidate promised to copy what was done in South Africa and Egypt to tackle the issue of power generation and distribution in Nigeria.
He said:
“We have to open up like South Africa has done. They have power issues like us, even [though] they are 60 million and they are generating almost 40-something-thousand, they declared [a state of] emergency and said anybody can generate up to 100,000 megawatts without license,” Obi noted.
“If somebody who is 60 million (sic) generating almost 50,000 declared [an] emergency, we declare war here on power. If it will consume everybody, it will consume us, but we will get power.
“Egypt did the same thing. Egypt had about 20,000. One of their studies showed that power is a critical issue. Today, Egypt is generating almost 50,000. In fact, Egypt is exporting power to Europe. If these things can be done around us – South Africa and Egypt – why not Nigeria?”
5. Nigerian women more productive
Obi said women are more productive in Nigeria and are less corrupt compared to their male counterparts.
“I can say it without anything; women are more productive in Nigeria than men any day any time. I worked with them when I was in the banking industry, they saved the bank. When they believe in anything they go for it.
“I wish our men will do the same thing. And they (women) are less corrupt; they are easily satisfied with little. Men will just go on and on forgetting that it is public money they are taking. I am very sorry about that, men. I am one of you but I have to say the truth of what I observed."
6. No one can say I stole public funds
Obi is happy no one would fault him when it comes to stealing public funds.
“It’s good that when my opponents talk. Let us talk about corruption. One of the things that are killing this country today is Corruption Perception Index, which is measured by how you manage public assets, nepotism, how you share the land, how you manage your money, and everything.
“I’ve challenged everyone to say, ‘Go and see whether there is anywhere a kobo of Anambra State money is missing.’ Saving has now become an issue. When people have stolen all the money and impoverished the country and you are now questioning a man who left the money without anybody telling me to leave it and go."
Labour Party reacts to Obasanjo, Edwin Clark's support for Peter Obi's 2023 presidential candidacy
The recent endorsement of Peter Obi by a former president, Olusegun Obasanjo and an elder statesman, Edwin Clark continued to elicit reactions.
The Labour Party, the political platform under which Peter Obi is vying for the 2023 presidency has also reacted.
According to the party, more endorsements are expected from top political leaders and well-meaning Nigerians.
Source: Legit.ng
