Obi Demands Explanation From Tinubu Over N15.8trn Subsidy Savings, $100bn Loans
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has challenged President Bola Tinubu to account for the N15.8 trillion reportedly saved from the removal of petrol subsidy and over $100 billion in loans obtained by his administration.
Obi made the demand in a statement posted on his verified X handle on Saturday, titled, “Good Day, Mr President: Nigerians Deserve Accountability.”
The former Anambra State governor also asked Tinubu to explain how increased government revenue from taxation and other sources had been utilised since he assumed office in May 2023.
His comments followed the President’s recent visit to Akwa Ibom State, where he spent a night outside Lagos and Abuja.
Obi congratulated Tinubu on the visit but urged him to extend similar visits to the remaining 33 states to interact with Nigerians and explain his administration’s performance.
“I sincerely hope this visit will inspire you to travel to the remaining 33 states of the federation, spend time with the people and, more importantly, explain what your administration has done with the ₦15.8 trillion saved from the removal of fuel subsidy, the over $100 billion you have borrowed,” he said.
The NDC chieftain also questioned the government’s record on poverty reduction, education and healthcare.
He asked the President to disclose the number of Nigerians lifted out of poverty under his administration, the number of out-of-school children returned to classrooms and the number of functional primary healthcare centres built.
Obi further questioned the improvement in electricity supply, recalling Tinubu’s earlier promise that Nigerians should not vote for him if he failed to address the country’s power challenges.
“They also deserve to know how much electricity supply has improved, especially given your promise that if you do not fix power, Nigerians should not vote for you,” he said.
On security, the former governor asked the President to explain the measures taken to protect Nigerians, noting that the country continued to face serious security challenges.
Obi said Nigerians deserved to know how public resources entrusted to the government had been spent.
“Mr President, Nigerians deserve answers. They deserve to know what has been done with the resources entrusted to your government,” he added.
He maintained that accountability, transparency and measurable improvements in citizens’ living conditions should guide the management of public resources.
