ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi has debunked claims that he is stingy by nature.
The former Governor of Anambra State said that those pushing the narrative of stinginess are those who feel threatened by his commitment to enforce fiscal discipline in the use of public funds.
He said this while speaking as a special guest in a programme at the Human Rights Radio popularly called Berekete Radio, in Abuja, on Monday.
According to Obi, the perception about him being stingy is his fiscal discipline in the management of public funds and those who lose out in the blockage of waste consider this as being stingy.
He said, ordinary Nigerians have critical roles to play in the selection process of who governs this country and they can only do that through their Permanent Voters Card.
The presidential candidate said he is seeking to be hired by the real owners of Nigeria, the ordinary downtrodden citizens of this country who have suffered hardships in the midst of plenty.
He said he is seeking the presidency because he wants to build a new Nigeria where the populace are secure and productive.
Obi also used the opportunity to take listeners through his resume in the public and private sectors, saying that having done it well in the past, he is well equipped to do better being the most qualified of all the candidates.
“Saving money is not in the constitution of Nigeria but my presidency will change our sharing mentality to saving and production mentality,” he said.
Speaking on the issue of corruption, he promised that if elected, he will draw the line and face the future as he would not close shop to chase thief, noting that the looters would not be allowed to go free.
The candidate further explained that Northern Nigeria is the nation’s new gold mine and oil, explaining that it can only become a reality when the right people like himself and his running mate, Dr. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed are given the chance to unlock Nigeria’s potential.
He said: “The poverty in the country can only be tackled through production and it’s only through it crimes and criminalities can be reduced. Those bandits are factory workers who are doing nothing.“
Also, speaking about the thorny issue of the Biafra agitation, Obi said: “the Biafra war ended 52 years ago and that is the position. I am a Nigerian and running for President as a Nigerian.
“If the President is to be given by whose turn it is, as an Igbo it’s my turn but I am in the race as a Nigerian wishing to be hired based on my track record, competence and capacity.”
He expressed regret that Nigerian leaders have not shown sufficient compassion for the plight of the ordinary people they govern, and described such people “are annoying God by turning grace into entitlement.“