The Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has urged government leaders to use public funds for public purposes.
It has been reported that the former Governor of Anambra State made this statement on Saturday, during the 10th anniversary of Alaigbo Development Foundation in Umuahia, Abia State.
He lamented that Nigeria lacks courageous people who can speak truth to power, stressing that leaders are bound to listen to those who elected them into office.
Peter Obi, who recalled how he judiciously managed public funds while in office, charged government leaders to make people-centred policies and pursue programmes that promote public peace.
He blamed the woes of Nigeria on the greed and insatiable quest for wealth among public officeholders and challenged Nigerians to speak truth to power and stop hero-worshipping.
He said, “What we lack in Nigeria is people who can tell you you are wrong when you are. Leaders are bound to listen to the people because the people put them in the office.
Leaders must use public money for public purpose. When I was in public office, I used public money for public purpose. I made sure I used the people’s money for them.
I did not spend any Kobo for personal gain. I didn’t take it, [I didn’t] owe pensions or gratuities. I did not owe any contractors. Now in private life, I can do whatever I like with my money.”
