BY Dosu Deborah Oluwatimilehin (SIWES Student, Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic Eruwa,)
In a statement released by his campaign office, Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, praised the adoption of the Oronsaye report by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Obi said he would have also implemented the report if he had been elected president, and commended Tinubu for being open-minded and willing to consider suggestions that could lead to better governance in Nigeria.
The Oronsaye report, also known as the Report of the Presidential Committee on the Restructuring and Rationalization of Federal Government Parastatals, Commissions, and Agencies, was commissioned by President Goodluck
In his statement, Peter Obi went on to say that implementing the Oronsaye report is one of the best ways to make governance in Nigeria more efficient, cost-effective, and productive.
He argued that the report offers a blueprint for reforming the country’s bloated bureaucracy and streamlining government services, which would ultimately benefit Nigerian citizens.
He expressed hope that the Tinubu administration would follow through on its commitment to implementing the report.
Obi said that even though he is in opposition, it is important to give credit where it is due, and to constructively engage with government policies rather than simply criticizing them blindly.
He said that if the government takes the right decision, it should be supported, and if there are related or even better ideas, they should be proposed.
He stressed the importance of working together to move Nigeria forward, regardless of political affiliation.
Obi also noted that the Oronsaye report is not the only way to improve governance in Nigeria, and he called for a broader national conversation about the best ways to make government more efficient, effective, and productive.
He suggested that this could include other recommendations, such as the report of the 2014 National Conference and the 2014 National Dialogue.
He also emphasized the need for greater transparency and accountability in government, and for more citizen participation in decision-making.
Obi also called for reforms in other areas of government, such as the civil service, education, health, and security.
He argued that civil service reform is essential to making government more efficient, and that education and health are key drivers of economic and social development.
He also said that a strong and effective security system is necessary to ensure the safety of all Nigerians, regardless of their location or circumstances.
He noted that all of these reforms require political will and determination to see them through, and urged all Nigerians to work together to make them a reality.
Overall, Peter Obi’s statement was a call for constructive dialogue and engagement around governance reform in Nigeria, rather than simply criticizing or opposing government policies.
He highlighted the importance of looking at multiple sources of recommendations and suggestions, and of ensuring that all Nigerians are involved in the process.
He also stressed the need for reforms that touch on all aspects of government and society, from civil service to education to security. Finally, he emphasized the need for political will and commitment from all stakeholders to make the reforms a success.
In terms of specific actions that could be taken based on the Oronsaye report, Obi suggested a number of steps. These include reducing the number of government agencies and parastatals, streamlining functions and operations, eliminating duplications, and making government more responsive and accountable to the people. He also called for the development of an e-government system to increase transparency and efficiency. Overall, he said that a comprehensive approach to governance reform is necessary, and that all Nigerians must be committed to making it happen.
In addition to the Oronsaye report, Obi mentioned the need to address issues such as poverty and inequality, which are also critical to improving governance in Nigeria.
He noted that addressing these issues would require a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach that includes increasing access to education and healthcare, creating job opportunities, and improving infrastructure.
He emphasized the need for long-term planning and investment in order to create sustainable development and to lift people out of poverty. He also called for greater emphasis on public-private partnerships to help create jobs and spur economic growth.
Finally, Obi stressed the importance of good governance at the state and local levels, not just at the federal level.
He said that state and local governments play a critical role in delivering services to citizens, and that they need to be supported and strengthened in order to ensure effective governance. He called for more devolution of power and resources
