By Ohuakanwa Chibuzo
Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has expressed his support for President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government’s decision to embrace the implementation of Steve Oronsanye’s Report.
In a statement released on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, Obi, the former Governor of Anambra, affirmed his commitment to implementing the Oronsanye report during his presidency, highlighting its inclusion in his 2023 manifesto.
He stated, “I have been approached by numerous individuals seeking clarification on my stance regarding the implementation of the Oronsanye Report, which the President has recently directed to be fully executed. In response, I refer everyone to my Manifesto and my consistent advocacy during my campaign.”
Obi recalled an instance at Harvard University on October 5, 2022, where he affirmed his commitment to implementing the Oronsanye Report, emphasizing its potential to enhance governance efficiency, reduce costs, and boost productivity. He emphasized the importance of constructive engagement with governmental decisions, regardless of political affiliations.
Expressing support for the report’s three critical components—drastically reducing governance costs, eliminating role overlaps, and enhancing efficiency—Obi welcomed its implementation while urging broader cost-cutting measures across government sectors.
However, Obi cautioned against hastiness in implementing the report, particularly considering its potential impact on civil servants. He stressed the need for a thorough understanding of federal bureaucracy dynamics and the ramifications across different government tiers.
In advocating for a thoughtful approach, Obi emphasized the necessity of mitigating adverse effects on workers and transparently communicating the resource-saving and redeployment strategies.
Moreover, Obi called for clarity on the White Paper relevant to the report and highlighted the importance of establishing safeguards against future government expansion.
Concluding his statement, Obi underscored the significance of implementing policies aligned with national development goals, aiming to realize the collective vision of a better Nigeria.