Former Anambra governor, Mr Peter Obi, has called on Nigerian accountants, especially women, to lead the fight against reckless government borrowing and wasteful spending.
Obi, Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, spoke on Wednesday at the investiture of Blessing Ngozi Osakwe as the 12th president of the Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN) in Lagos.
He said unchecked financial mismanagement was mortgaging the future of younger generations.
“We are borrowing and spending away the future of our children. This recklessness must stop. You, as professionals, must hold those in power accountable,” Obi said.
The Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, cited his experience in both the banking sector and public service, noting that female professionals played key roles in ensuring fiscal discipline.
He recalled that a female risk manager had prevented costly mistakes during his tenure as bank chairman, while two female accountant-generals and a female finance commissioner enforced prudence during his time as governor.
“Women accountants have the integrity and courage to demand fiscal discipline where others might compromise,” he said.
Obi urged SWAN members to speak truth to power and demand transparency in public finance.
He described the moment as critical for Nigeria’s economic future, adding, “Nigeria’s survival depends on people like you refusing to look away. A new Nigeria is not just a dream; it is possible.”