The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has called on the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government to demonstrate compassion and responsibility by deploying Nigeria’s reported revenue surplus into critical sectors that would directly impact the lives of ordinary citizens.

Obi, on his verified X account on Thursday, September 4, stressed that it was insensitive for the government to celebrate achieving revenue targets ahead of schedule while citizens continue to grapple with poverty, unemployment, and unpaid entitlements.

He noted that many key economic players and their associated institutions are struggling with severe funding shortages, a situation that is negatively affecting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the country.

According to him, some of these businesses have resorted to protests as they can no longer meet their financial obligations to banks and employees.

The former Anambra State governor also condemned the plight of retired public servants, including military personnel, who continue to protest over unpaid gratuities and pensions despite dedicating their lives to national service.

“It is shameful that those who built this nation with their sweat, those who defended it with their lives, and those who fulfilled their contractual obligations are reduced to begging for what is rightfully theirs, even after the government boasts of excess revenue,” Obi said.

He further argued that revenue achievements were meaningless if they did not translate into better living conditions for Nigerians.

“Our nation must not continue to throw its citizens into debt and despair. It is time for our government to act responsibly and with integrity,” he added.

He concluded his post with his familiar call for transformative governance, “A New Nigeria is Possible”. (Daily Sun)