In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), the former governor of Anambra State emphasized the urgent need for leaders who prioritize national development through sacrifice. He stressed the importance of compassionate and frugal leadership for the progress of Nigeria.
This call for sacrificial leadership comes in response to the revelation last Wednesday by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that a staggering N15 billion would be allocated for the construction of a new residence for the vice president.
The minister disclosed this information while defending the FCT’s N61.5 billion 2023 supplementary budget before a House of Representatives Committee.
Expressing dismay about the allocation, Obi questioned the priorities of the nation, stating, “The recent news about a budget provision of N15 billion for the construction of a new residence for the Vice President is both shocking and disheartening, considering the many important challenges facing our nation.”
He highlighted that in the recent Supplementary Budget, an additional N2.5 billion was earmarked for the renovation of the Vice President’s existing residence in Abuja, and an extra N3 billion for the renovation of his residence in Lagos. Summing up these allocations, Obi pointed out that a total of N20.5 billion had been budgeted for the Vice President’s housing.
This allocation raised concerns for Obi, especially given the critical challenges the nation is facing, such as poverty, collapsing health facilities, and soaring unemployment. He underscored the stark contrast between the proposed expenditures and the grim reality for a majority of Nigerians, stating, “99.9% of Nigerians can only dream of living” in the current residence of Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Drawing on historical examples, Obi mentioned the 1004 flats in Lagos, originally intended for a Presidential Mansion. However, General Murtala Mohammed, displaying sacrificial leadership, redirected the land to construct flats for civil servants. Obi urged current leaders to emulate such acts of sacrifice and called for an end to recklessness and insensitivity to the plight of the masses.
