Vice President Shettima Responds to Peter Obi’s Criticisms on Residence Renovations
The spokesperson for Vice President Kashim Shettima, Stanley Nkwocha, has countered recent criticisms from Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections.
In response to Obi’s questioning of the government’s decision to allocate N15 billion for the renovation of the Vice President’s residences in Lagos and Abuja, Nkwocha defended the expenditure.
Obi had raised concerns about the significant renovation budget compared to the allocated N5 billion for student loans in the country.
Nkwocha released a statement on behalf of Vice President Shettima, dismissing what he described as a series of misguided attacks and falsehoods targeting the administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Responding to Obi’s comments, Nkwocha addressed the allocation of funds for the renovation of the Vice President’s official residence by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
He clarified that the project was initiated and funded during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan and was later renewed by the current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, due to its prolonged abandonment.
Nkwocha defended the decision to resume the project, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to completing long-abandoned public projects nationwide, contrary to Obi’s past directives as governor of Anambra State.
Nkwocha challenged Obi’s comparison between the renovation budget and salaries for university professors, asserting that the administration prioritizes the welfare of educators and educational infrastructure despite economic challenges.
Accusing Obi of post-election trauma and divisive rhetoric, Nkwocha urged him and others in opposition to accept defeat gracefully and prioritize Nigeria’s interests.
Part of the statement read:
“There is no other context to situate Obi’s sermon about waste other than the fact that he has refused to swallow the bitter pills of reality.”
“We advise him and his fellow travellers in the opposition to accept defeat honourably, and put the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians first as patriotic citizens they claim to be.”
Source: Politics Nigeria
