By Adedapo Adesanya
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has challenged President Bola Tinubu to account for the federal government’s spending of N15.8 trillion reportedly saved from fuel subsidy removal, over $100 billion in borrowings and increased government revenues.
Mr Obi made the demand in a post on his X handle titled, Good Day, Mr President: Nigerians Deserve Accountability, following President Tinubu’s recent visit to Akwa Ibom State.
He urged the President to use his visits to states across the country to engage directly with Nigerians and explain how the resources available to his administration had translated into improvements in their living conditions.
“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 N15.8 trillion saved from the removal of fuel subsidy, the over $100 billion you have borrowed,” Mr Obi wrote.
The former Anambra State governor also listed increased tax collections and additional government revenues, which the administration has said exceeded its targets, among the resources requiring public accountability.
He questioned the administration’s measurable achievements in poverty reduction, education, healthcare, electricity supply and national security.
“Nigerians deserve to know how many were pulled out of poverty within this period, how many out-of-school children were returned to school, and how many functional primary healthcare centres you have built,” he said.
On electricity, Mr Obi recalled Tinubu’s campaign promise to address the power sector crisis, demanding an account of improvements in electricity supply since the administration took office.
He also questioned the government’s security performance, noting that Nigeria continued to rank among countries severely affected by terrorism.
“Mr President, Nigerians deserve answers. They deserve to know what has been done with the resources entrusted to your government,” he stated.
Mr Obi said his vision for Nigeria was anchored on accountability, transparency and the measurable impact of public resources on citizens’ welfare.
“The New Nigeria we want to build will be based on accountability, transparency, and the physical, measurable impact of our public resources on the lives of citizens,” he added.
