Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has condemned the exclusion of the North Central Regional Commission from the budgetary allocations provided to other regional commissions in the 2025 proposed budget by the Federal Government.
Obi who stated this in a post shared on his X handle on Wednesday, described the development as “deeply troubling”, calling on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to urgently reversed.
The former Anambra State governor warned that 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,” Obi said. “The North Central region requires special attention due to the severe challenges it faces today.”
Giving reasons the region deserved special attention, Obi, cited relentless terror attacks and banditry in Plateau, Benue, Kogi, and Niger States, which he said had 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.
“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,” he maintained.
