Special Advisor on Information and Strategy to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Bayo Onanuga, addressed remarks made by Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra state, over a purported N3 trillion disparity in the national budget. Reports of a discrepancy between the budget that the Nigerian Senate had authorized and the one that the administration was implementing had alarmed Obi. He emphasized that the purported disparity, which accounts for more than 10% of the federal budget, is very concerning. CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
In a post on his official social media handle, Peter Obi expressed deep concern and described the alleged budget variance as disconcerting and shameful. He cited a claim by a Senator that a separate budget containing the N3 trillion difference existed, differing from what was approved by the National Assembly. Obi emphasized the significance of the discrepancy, given its substantial proportion of the national budget.
According to Obi: “I find it deeply disconcerting and a matter of grave concern and even shameful to read about the alleged N3 trillion discrepancy between the budget approved by the Nigerian Senate and the one being implemented by the presidency. One Senator claims there is a separate budget, allegedly containing the N3 trillion, that differs from what was passed by the National Assembly. This alleged discrepancy is especially worrying because it represents over 10% of our national budget (estimated at N29 trillion).”
However, Bayo Onanuga countered Obi’s assertions, stating that there was no padding in the budget. Onanuga cautioned Obi against making public statements without first confirming the authenticity of the reports. His response aimed to dispel concerns raised by Obi and clarify the situation regarding the alleged budget discrepancy. He emphasized the need for caution and diligence in evaluating and responding to reports, urging individuals to refrain from jumping to conclusions based on unconfirmed information.
Bayo Onanuga said: “There was no padding. My advice: don’t always jump into a matter in public space without first of all confirming its authenticity”. CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
