Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has blasted the Federal Government’s approval of ₦142 billion for the construction of modern bus terminals across the six geopolitical zones.
He recently described the decision as another clear example of misplaced priorities.
Speaking via a press statement titled “₦142 Billion for Bus Terminals,” Obi revealed that the move shows a lack of competence when it comes to the management of the nation’s scarce resources.
According to him, there is a thin line between the success and failure of the development in any country, and it all depends on how scarce resources are managed.
“The difference between the success and failure of the development in any nation is how you prioritise your scarce resources. The recent announcement that a sum of ₦142 billion has been approved by the Federal Government for the construction of one bus terminal in each of our six geopolitical zones further affirms the lack of competence, lack of focus and poor leadership,” he said.
Comparing the allocation to the health sector, Obi noted that the combined budget for all teaching hospitals and federal psychiatric centres nationwide is under ₦100 billion in the 2024 budget.
He concluded by saying that it is sad to see how a crucial health sector is still massively underfunded while money is being wasted elsewhere.
“This is disturbing, considering that health is one of the most critical areas of development, which is deteriorating and remains grossly underfunded. WHO recently reported that over 20 million Nigerians are living with mental health issues. This is not only a misplaced priority but a tragic irony of our country. This is not governance,” he added.
