TVC E. Former Governor of Anambra state, Peter Obi has given a mind blowing speech and startling revelations of government spending as it left many wondering whether there is really a recession.
The former Governor was one of the distinguished guest speakers at The Platform 2016, where he spoke on: Cutting cost in governance.
The Platform is the brain-child of the charismatic preacher and Senior Pastor of Covenant Christian Center, Poju Oyemade.
Obi, with his story telling style, opened the eyes of Nigerians to the huge waste of resources that goes on in the corridors of power.
He also called on Nigerian youths to take back power, adding that Nigeria has all it takes to sustain itself.
Obi also chided religious leaders for not speaking up against fraudulent members and urged Nigerians to stop celebrating criminality.
He told a story of how it used to cost him and his contingent, N10m per trip to Abuja whenever he travels (6 times every month).
Obi said he had to cut down the expenses, because he found out that the 30 people who always travelled with him, had nothing to do in Abuja.
He also said he saved $50m and N7b in Access bank, $55m and N10b in Fidelity bank, and $155.4m in Diamond bank.
The former Governor jokingly revealed how he had to stop his cook from killing a cow every day in the Government House.
He Highlighted ways on how Governors can save money, he said:
1. Governors should stop using the security vote, which is up to N600b – N800b to run their office and sponsor their aides.
2. Initiate competitive procurement.
3. Do away with unconstitutional office of the first lady which is run with N2b.
4. Reduce Governor’s cars to 2, instead of 6 bullet-proof cars.
5. Reduce Govt. house jeeps instead of 25 jeeps, which is the average number most Governors have.
Peter Obi won the admiration of many on social media, who even started calling for him to vie for President.
Other speakers at The Platform 2016, were: Dr. Olisa Agbakoba – Former President, Nigerian Bar Association and member of the Presidential Task Force on Petroleum Revenue Management, Rev. Sam Adeyemi – Senior Pastor, Daystar Christian Centre & Founder, Daystar Leadership Academy, Bishop Mathew Kukah – Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Segun Adeniyi – Chairman, Editorial Board of THISDAY newspapers, Prof. Osaghae Eghosa – Vice Chancellor, Igbinedion University, Okada, and Bolanle Austen-Peters – Founder, Terra Kulture & BAP Productions.
