9th November, 2023
The Federal Government on Thursday advised the presidential candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi to stop misrepresentation of facts for political gains.
The Federal Government said this in a statement issued by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris in reaction to the criticisms of the N2.17 trillion 2023 supplementary appropriation bill signed into law on Wednesday by President Bola Tinubu.
The Minister said contrary to the impression created by Obi in his criticism, the supplementary budget is not insensitive, but rather a bold and pragmatic response to the pressing and economic challenges Nigeria currently faces.
The Federal Government insisted in the statement that the supplementary budget was derived from the active engagement and consultation with relevant stakeholders who ensured that the budgetary provisions aligned with the needs and expectations of Nigerians.
Idris also noted that in line with President Tinubu’s inclination to accountability and transparency in government expenditure, all items in the supplementary budget have been meticulously scrutinised to ensure efficient utilisation of public funds.
“The Minister urged the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party to take the time and effort to acquaint himself with the details of the N2.17 trillion 2023 Supplementary Budget, which includes allocations for essential sectors: security, agriculture and food security, works and housing, wage increase for workers, student loan scheme and social safety nets, among others, all aimed at strengthening the country’s economic foundations and improve the living conditions of Nigerians.
“The broad provisions in the supplementary budget is a reflection of President Tinubu’s strong desire and eagerness to support the vital functions of government, address urgent security needs, and fast-track the country’s recovery process from the economic impact occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy,” said Idris.
“Idris urged the political opposition to be informed and balanced in the exercise of their right to differing opinions and refrain from misrepresentation of facts for political gains, explaining that the supplementary budget was derived from the active engagement and consultation with relevant stakeholders who ensured that the budgetary provisions aligned with the needs and expectations of Nigerians,” the Minister said in the statement.