17th January, 2025
By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has explained the reasons for the drama that characterized the presentation of the 2025 budget of Nigeria Police Force at the National Assembly on Thursday.
A viral video showed Senator, Onyekachi Nwoebonyi storming out of the budget presentation session to the Joint Committees on Police Affairs and Police Institutions over claims that the documents being read to members by the IGP were different from what was shared out to lawmakers.
However, Egbetokun, in a statement on Friday signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Adejobi Olumuyiwas said the disruption of the budget unnecessary and avoidable.
The Police Chief also denied claims that two different documents purported to be the budget of the police for 2025 were read at the budget defence session.
He blamed the Senator for refusing to listen to explanations on the seemingly different documents for the drama.
Egbetokun also said the Senator came late and did not understand what had transpired on the budget presentation before his arrival.
“The IGP explained that two versions of the budget documents were provided to the committee members: a comprehensive copy and an abridged version. While both contained same figures and facts, the abridged version used simplified language to facilitate understanding.
“At the start of the session, the committee members unanimously agreed with a motion that the IGP should present the abridged version since they all had access to both documents.
However, distinguished Senator Onyekachi Nwoebonyi (Ebonyi North), who arrived late, began referencing the comprehensive version while the IGP presented the abridged version.
“Despite explanations from other committee members about the earlier agreement and the consistency between both versions, the senator refused to listen and abruptly left the session. The IGP described the incident as unnecessary drama that could have been avoided had the senator been receptive to the clarifications provided.
“The IGP reiterates that the Nigeria Police Force did not submit two different 2025 budgetary proposal documents to the joint committees at the National Assembly, contrary to the reports circulating in the news and media outlets,” the statement indicated.
“The Inspector-General has also reiterated the significant challenges the NPF faces with budget allocations. These include inadequate funding, which hampers modernization and effective service delivery, the restrictive envelope budget system, and delays in fund releases. These challenges continue to impede the Force’s ability to address its expanding and dynamic responsibilities.
“In conclusion, the IGP called on the public to remain patient and supportive of the Police as the Force remains committed to delivering exceptional service with professionalism and dedication.