Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has publicly affirmed his support for the implementation of the Oronsaye Report, stating that if he were the current president, he would have taken the same course of action. Responding to queries on his stance via his official X handle, Obi emphasized the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and productivity that the report's implementation could bring to governance.
Obi's remarks follow President Bola Tinubu's recent directive for a full implementation of the Oronsaye-led committee's report, resulting in a significant restructuring of government agencies. Obi, while acknowledging the overdue nature of the report's implementation, praised the decision, particularly focusing on its alignment with three key principles: reducing the cost of governance, eliminating overlapping responsibilities, and enhancing efficiency.
Despite his endorsement of the Oronsaye Report, Obi urged the government to extend its efforts and implement broader cost-cutting measures across all sectors. In a detailed statement, Obi highlighted the necessity of understanding the complexities of the federal bureaucracy and emphasized the importance of political leaders making sacrifices for the nation's overall development.
Furthermore, Obi emphasized the need for a thorough understanding of the implications of downsizing on workers and suggested that the government provide a clear White Paper detailing the resources saved and their redeployment plan. He called for transparency in communicating the future impact on the workforce and stressed the importance of preventing a future bloating of government.
In concluding his statement, Peter Obi urged the government to implement the right policies, showing a commitment to building the "New Nigeria" envisioned by citizens, with a focus on critical areas such as education, health, and poverty alleviation.
