In a fiery exchange, the Federal Government (FG) has slammed Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the February 25 election, for his criticism of the recently signed supplementary budget.
The FG, through its Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has accused Obi of being “uninformed” and “misrepresenting facts” in his assessment of the budget.
Obi had lambasted the FG for signing the supplementary budget at a “late” period of the year, arguing that it failed to capture “urgent items of national welfare.” He also branded the budget as “insensitive” to the plight of Nigerians.
However, Idris has dismissed Obi’s claims, arguing that the supplementary budget is a “bold and pragmatic response” to the pressing economic challenges facing Nigeria. He also pointed out that the budget includes allocations for essential sectors such as security, agriculture, works and housing, wage increase for workers, student loan scheme, and social safety nets.
Idris further accused Obi of being “politically motivated” in his criticism of the budget. He urged the Labour Party presidential candidate to “acquaint himself with the details” of the budget before making further comments.
The FG’s response to Obi’s criticism has sparked a heated debate on social media, with some Nigerians supporting the FG’s stance while others believe that Obi is right to call out the government for its alleged insensitivity.
While the FG has defended the supplementary budget, there are some controversial details that have raised eyebrows. For example, the budget includes a significant allocation for the purchase of a “presidential yacht.” This has been met with widespread criticism, with many Nigerians questioning the need for such a luxury item at a time when the country is facing economic hardship.
Another controversial item in the budget is the allocation for the furnishing of already lavishly furnished presidential quarters and offices. This has been seen by some as a waste of public funds, especially considering the fact that the country is facing a severe housing shortage.
Despite the FG’s rebuttal, Obi’s supporters have vowed to hold the government accountable for its spending. They have launched a campaign on social media to demand transparency and accountability in the implementation of the supplementary budget.
The campaign has gained traction, with many Nigerians expressing their support for Obi’s stance. Some have even called for a nationwide protest to demand that the FG cancel the allocation for the presidential yacht and use the funds instead to address more pressing needs such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
The controversy surrounding the supplementary budget is a clear indication of the deep public distrust of the FG. Nigerians are increasingly demanding that the government be more transparent and accountable in its spending.
It remains to be seen how the FG will respond to the public outcry. However, it is clear that the supplementary budget is a major political issue that will continue to be debated in the coming days and weeks.
