Presidency Critiques Peter Obi on Public Fund Management

The Presidency, through Bayo Onanuga, special adviser on Information and Strategy, criticized Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, for his comments on public funds. Onanuga accused Obi of hypocrisy, referencing his undeclared offshore assets and business holdings revealed in the Panama Papers.

Obi had discussed public finance management during a radio interview in Nasarawa State, arguing that Nigeria could have accumulated wealth if public funds had been managed properly. He claimed his administration kept public funds in three banks and criticized a culture where honest individuals are targeted while wrongdoers protect each other.

Obi stated that his administration did not prioritize public ceremonies for projects funded by public money, asserting that Anambra achieved notable improvements in basic education during his tenure. He cited a visit from Oxford University professor Paul Collier as evidence of these educational advancements.