Presidential candidate of the Labour Party Peter Obi on Sunday night attended the first in the series of town hall meetings organised by Arise TV, the Center for Development and Democracy and other partners.
During the question and answer session, Obi reiterated his earlier position that pulling people out of poverty is the surest way to reducing criminality.
He said that Nigerians must in 2023 avoid electing persons who could not account for resources entrusted in their official care.
Responding to a question on the oneness of the office of the president and the vice president, Obi said the buck stops on the desk of the president, who is the commander-in-chief, even though he works as a family with the vice president.
Obi said interchangeability is not automatic, hence the president is required to formally hand over in writing to his vice if going overseas for an extended period.
Obi was emphatic on the issue of subsidy, saying that he would remove it, but invest the saved revenue properly, even as he insisted that oil theft is an organised crime which very much involves regulators.
On borrowing, he said he has never been against it, but it must be for production, not for consumption.
Speaking about diversification of the economy, Obi said the economy had already been diversified, but not enough attention is given to boost production.
Obi said military experience is no prerequisite in tackling security challenges, noting that what is required is a good understanding of the problems and the ability to apply the right human and material resources for their urgent eradication.
On devolution of power, Obi said women and youth will be the engine of his administration if elected president and his record in Anambra State speaks for itself as women occupied critical positions in his administration as governor, including deputy governor, chief of staff, commissioners for finance, education etc.
He also promised to make the vast lands of Borno his priority in boosting agriculture.
On electricity, Obi said the current production capacity is 12000kw, but this cannot be effectively transmitted, because the transmission capacity is not beyond 6000 kw. He then promised to increase the transmission infrastructure, by declaring war on the power sector.
On flood control, Obi said the solution lies in the reappraisal of dredging and channeling solutions.
Obi described himself as a wealth creator in his private life, and his public record, and he promised to apply the same principle if elected to the Presidency.
The town hall meeting lasted over four hours from 8pm to 11.50pm.
