He also tasked them with developing policies that prioritize individuals and implementing initiatives that advance public harmony.
The Labour Party’s candidate for president in 2023, Mr. Peter Obi, has lamented the lack of brave individuals who are able to speak truth to power.
Speaking on Saturday at the Alaigbo Development Foundation’s tenth anniversary in Umuahia, Abia State, Obi expressed sorrow over the abundance of praise singers in the nation who give leaders what they want to hear.
In addition to reminding officials to use public finances for the people, the former governor of Anambra State also tasked them with doing so.
He also tasked them with developing policies that prioritize individuals and implementing initiatives that advance public harmony.
Obi blamed the woes of Nigeria on avarice and insatiable quest for wealth among public office holders.
He, therefore, challenged Nigerians to speak truth to power and stop hero worshipping.
Obi said: “What we lack in Nigeria is people who can tell you you are wrong when you are. Leaders are bound to listen to the people because the people put them in the office.
” Leaders must use public money for public purpose”, Obi thundered.
Continuing, he said:”When I was in public office, I used public money for public purpose. I made sure I used the peoples money for them.
” I did not spend any Kobo for personal gain. I didn’t take it owing pensions, gratuities. I did not owe any contractor. Now in private life I can do whatever I like with my money.”
The former Anambra State Governor who said he left office without owing workers including pensioners and contractors, disclosed that he also left behind $150m for the state.
Obi solicited continued prayers for leaders so they would serve the people with the fear of God.
The former Anambra Governor who advocated role for traditional institution, advised Government to partner socio-cultural organizations for the development of society.
He further encouraged ADF to continue its advocacy and sensitization of Ndigbo for advancing the cause of the Igbo nation.
Obi also preached unity among Ndigbo.
In his remark, the pioneer President of ADF, Professor Uzodinma Nwala, said the objective of ADF had been galvanize Igbo stakeholders for the development of Alaigbo.
The new national President of ADF, Nze Coleman Emeka Chukudelunzu, called for unity among Ndigbo to rebuild Igbo land.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Chairman of the event, Maj General Chris Eze (retd.), commended the doggedness of Ndigbo to overcome the challenges of the civil war.