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2024 budget: Reject Wike’s proposal – SERAP tells Akpabio
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Senate President, Mr. Godswill Akpabio, to reject the proposal by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to allocate N15 billion for constructing a residence for Vice President Kashim Shettima. SERAP also urges Akpabio to exercise the Senate’s oversight role and reject the N2.8 billion allocated for FCTA publicity and other potentially wasteful spending in the 2023 supplementary budget and the 2024 budget proposed by President Bola Tinubu.
In a letter dated December 2, 2023, signed by SERAP’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization contends that spending N15 billion on the vice president’s residence violates the Nigerian Constitution and international anti-corruption and human rights obligations.
SERAP emphasizes the Senate’s constitutional duty to ensure that Wike’s proposed expenditure aligns with constitutional provisions and public officials’ adherence to the rule of law. The organization urges the Senate to fulfill its oversight function, particularly in addressing the country’s debt crisis, by rejecting unnecessary spending catering to the personal comfort of public officials.
Expressing concern about the potential approval of the N15 billion expenditure amid the Federal Government’s plans to allocate a significant portion of the 2024 budget to debt service costs and borrowing, SERAP warns of potential legal action if the Senate fails to exercise its constitutional oversight responsibilities.
SERAP also calls on the Senate to refer allegations of corruption in the previous N7 billion allocated for the vice president’s residence construction to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The organization emphasizes the Senate’s role in compelling compliance with the constitution and international obligations, asserting that the National Assembly must prevent the executive from using the national budget for unnecessary personal comfort of officials.
In conclusion, SERAP insists that cutting the N15 billion allocation for the vice president’s residence from the FCTA budget would align with the constitutional oath of office, promoting efficient and lawful spending of public funds. The organization highlights Wike’s plan to spend N15 billion despite the recent allocation of N2.5 billion for the vice president’s residence renovation in the supplementary budget already passed by the National Assembly and signed by President Tinubu. The House of Representatives reportedly approved the N15 billion plan, alongside another N3 billion for the vice president’s residence renovation in Lagos State, as well as N2.8 billion for FCTA publicity.
The Ogun State Government has donated N200 million to the Borno State Government in response to the severe flooding that recently devastated the area, causing significant property damage and displacing thousands of residents.
The flooding was triggered by the collapse of the Alau Dam in Maiduguri on September 10.
Reports indicate that at least 414,000 people have been displaced, with 30 lives lost due to the disaster.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun had previously sent condolences to the people and government of Borno, praising the state government’s swift actions and the support from the Federal Government.
Kayode Akinmade, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, stated on Saturday that the donation aims to aid flood victims and provide immediate relief. He noted the unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Borno State caused by the flooding and called on all Nigerians to help those in need.
Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has approved the appointment of chairpersons and members for various government agency boards and parastatals.
This initiative aims to facilitate the efficient operation of government activities and improve service delivery.
The announcement was made in a statement on Friday by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode.
The appointments, which include both full-time and part-time roles, will take effect on Monday, October 7, 2024.
Governor Oyebanji congratulated the new appointees, highlighting that their roles present valuable opportunities for public service. He encouraged them to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and ethical behavior in their duties.
Users of the Umuahia-Bende-Arochukwu-Ohafia road will soon heave a sigh of relief as the Federal Government has mobilized a new contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), to begin work on the collapsed sections of the road.
The mobilization of the new contractor followed a viral video by ABN TV titled “How Your Area,” which highlighted that the Onu Uduma Bridge, commonly known as Nmuri Bridge on the federal road, was on the verge of collapse.
The critical bridge, previously rehabilitated by the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), has come under severe pressure due to repeated downpours and the movement of heavy-duty vehicles, which exposed it to structural threats.
The Federal Executive Council approved additional funds for the project, supplementing the money initially approved in 2018.
The arrival of CCECC equipment at the affected site on Wednesday has brought hope to the people of Ohafia and all users of the road. This follows the termination of the previous contractor, Heartland, whose contract was revoked due to issues concerning the quality of work.
Speaking on the arrival of the new contractor, the member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Ibe Okwara Osonwa, stated that the progress was a result of his engagement with the Minister of Works, David Umahi, through the Abia State Government, to ensure repairs on the road and the Nmuri Bridge to prevent total collapse.
He expressed gratitude to Governor Alex Otti, his deputy, and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu for their swift response to the road’s condition, but urged host communities to offer maximum cooperation to the contractor to ensure smooth and timely completion of the work.
CREDIT: DAILY POST
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