Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) at the 2023 polls, Peter Obi, on Wednesday, tackled the Federal Government over the “exclusion” of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) from the 2025 budgetary allocations.
He observed that the sum of N2.493trillion was allocated to five other regional development commissions, while the NCDC was missing.
The former governor of Anambra State argued that the excluded not engender the spirit even development and peace among the regions of the country.
Taking to his X handle to register his concern, Obi wrote, “The exclusion of the North Central Regional Commission from the budgetary allocations provided to other Regional Commissions in the 2025 proposed budget is deeply troubling and must be urgently reversed.
“Such an anomaly does not make for even development and peace that is needed for progress in the country.
“A total of N2.493 trillion has been allocated to five regional development commissions, with the North Central Regional Commission glaringly omitted.”
Making a case for the region, Obi said the region had suffered attacks from insurgents, bandits and kidnappers, thereby requiring special attention to cushion the effects on the people and the communities therein.
“The North Central region requires special attention due to the severe challenges it faces today. Relentless terror attacks and banditry in Plateau, Benue, Kogi, and Niger States have caused immense suffering, resulting in significant loss of lives and forcing countless families into internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.
“These persistent tragedies have made the North Central one of the most affected and vulnerable regions in Nigeria.
“Known as the agricultural backbone of the nation, the North Central region deserves robust support to enhance security, stability, and development for the benefit of the entire country,” he added.
He urged the executive and the National Assembly to do the needful by rectifying the omission
“I, therefore, call on the government and National Assembly to urgently review and rectify this decision that will impact negatively on the region and area most needed for the development of the country
“Together, we must work toward a more inclusive and equitable Nigeria. A New Nigeria is not just a dream, it is possible,” Obi further stated
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