Peter Obi
The econmy of Nigeria was in a better shape before the advent of the President Muhammadu Buhari Administration. This disclosure was made by the vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party for the 2019 election, Peter Obi on Friday at a debate organised by the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria and the Nigeria Elections Debate Group for vice presidential candidates for the 2019 elections.
He blamed the development on the decision of the Buhari Administration to “close shop” in the bid to fight corruption, pointing out that the decision of the All Progressives Congress-led government to solely focus on fighting corruption had led to the loss of jobs.
He said before the Buhari administration embarked on its anti-corruption war, Nigeria had more jobs and opportunities.
Said he: “It is not that you cannot fight corruption but you can fight it more aggressively while addressing economic issues.
“For example, in 2015, unemployment was 24 per cent.
“Today, it is 40 per cent.
“In 2015, we attracted $21 billion in Foreign Direct Investment but we attracted only $12 billion last year.
“Our GDP was $500 billion in 2015, while per capita was $2,500.
“Today it is under $1,900.
“If you look at our stock market, we have lost over N2 trillion in one year.
“So, that is not a policy.
“You’re just fighting corruption.
“You are not creating jobs.
“You cannot shut down your shop and be chasing criminals.”
