Tinubu govt’s approval of N142 billion for bus terminal misplaced priority: Peter Obi
The former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, on Friday condemned the approval of N142 billion for the construction of bus terminals across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
In a statement on his social handle, Mr Obi described the federal government’s decision as incompetent and poorly thought out, while pointing to the underfunded health sector as a neglected concern.
Mr Obi stated that the choice for bus terminals was misguided, as N100 billion was allocated for federal teaching hospitals and psychiatric centres in the country’s running budget.
The politician said, “The recent announcement that a sum of ₦142 billion has been approved by the federal government for the construction of one bus terminal in each of our six geopolitical zones further affirms the lack of competence, lack of focus, and poor leadership.
“In the 2024 budget, which is the operational budget today, the entire budget of all the teaching hospitals across all the federal universities in the country, as well as the federal psychiatric centres, is under ₦100 billion, yet the government has approved ₦142 billion for bus terminals.”
Emphasising that the plan to initiate the bus terminals remains tragic, Mr Obi berated the unaddressed state of mental health conditions currently affecting over 20 million Nigerians, as reported by the World Health Organisation.
“This is disturbing, considering that health is one of the most critical areas of development, which is deteriorating and remains grossly underfunded. WHO recently reported that over 20 million Nigerians are living with mental health issues,” he said.
The Minister of Transportation, Sai’du Alkali, had announced the construction of new transportation terminals in Abeokuta (South-West), Gombe (North-East), Kano (North-West), Lokoja (North-Central), Onitsha (South-East), and Edo State (South-South), at an approved sum of N142,028,576,008.17.
The minister stated that the Federal Executive Council’s decision followed reported incidents of crime, road accidents, and illegal arms proliferation, which necessitated the plan.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Police intercept firearm during stop-and-search operation in Anambra
The police spokesperson identified the suspects as Joseph Ekwulugo, 33, and Somtochukwu Enyiobi, 29.
Heading 3
Tinubu doesn’t need to be physically present to work; he will return from vacation this week: Presidency
Mr Onanuga stated, “Nigeria’s President is hale and hearty. He has been on a working vacation, which he is perfectly entitled to.”
States
APC sweeps Enugu council polls
Mr Chukwunweike stated, “We will not rest as we push the developmental efforts of President Bola Tinubu and our amiable governor for the world to see.”
Hot news Home top
Canada-based Nigerian tech recruiter Ebunoluwa Tomiwa faces prosecution for human trafficking, sexual offences
The police said Mr Tomiwa voluntarily turned himself in hours after he was declared wanted.
States
Man stabbed to death over N500 in Cross River
Mr Eitokpah said the incident occurred at about 1:00 a.m. on Saturday.
Hot news Home top
Gov. Yusuf backs rotational presidency, says North should allow Tinubu complete two terms
The governor said, “Power will return to the North after the completion of the Southern region’s two-term cycle in 2031.”
