The Vice Presidential Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has berated the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration over its approach to issues of the economy, as it accused it of putting the fight against corruption ahead of pursuing policies that will grow the economy.
The former Anambra Governor disclosed this at the presidential debate organised by the NEDG/BON on Friday.
“Let me clarify my statement that fighting corruption is not an economic policy. You can fight corruption while tackling the issue of the economy,. We have lost over N2,trillion in one year. You can’t shut down your shop, and be chasing criminals,” he said.
In 2014, we generated $21bn in FDI, in 2017, Nigeria attracted only $12bn. Unemployment & underemployment was 24% in 2014. In 2017 it is now 40%. Even our stock market has lost over N2Trillion in one year. You can’t shut down your shop and be chasing criminals. #2019Debate
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) December 15, 2018
Responding to the accusation by the PDP Vice Presidential Candidate, the Vice President and running mate to the Presidential flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Yemi Osinbajo said the fight against corruption is key to economic development as no economy can withstand the ripple effect of stealing and mismanagement of the country’s resources.
“If you allow criminals steal all your shop, there’ll be no shop. World bank says the main cause of our poverty is corruption,” he said.