PETER OBI CONDEMNS ALLEGED $9M US LOBBYING DEAL AS ‘NATIONAL DISGRACE’

By: Fasasi Hammad
In a statement shared on his verified X account on Friday, Obi criticized Nigerian leaders for prioritizing waste, corruption, propaganda, and mismanagement over meaningful development initiatives.
He said, “It was recently reported that $9 million of taxpayers’ money was spent on lobbyists in Washington—likely just a fraction of the global waste carried out in similar ways. This exemplifies the disgraceful state of our nation.
“This is a clear example of wasteful spending that has contributed to Nigeria’s current failing status. To understand the impact, consider the Human Development Index (HDI): Nigeria has remained in the low HDI category for 35 years, from 1990 to 2025. Meanwhile, comparable nations like China—where Nigeria had a threefold higher per capita income in 1990—and Indonesia have progressed to medium or high HDI categories.
“Such progress is not due to luck, miracles, or natural resources, but the result of leadership choices and priorities. This highlights the importance of proper prioritization.
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“Regarding the $9 million, roughly N14 billion, it could have been better spent addressing critical areas like health, education, and poverty. Nigeria now has the lowest life expectancy globally and one of the highest maternal mortality rates. Millions are spent trying to cover up failures rather than improving life-saving systems.
“This sum could have funded the entire 2024 capital budget for at least one major teaching hospital in each zone, directly enhancing survival rates, care, and life expectancy. The funds exist; what is lacking are prioritization, discipline, and effective leadership.”
