As Abia Propose N1.5bn for Two Hilux Vehicles
Recent reports have emerged alleging significant budget padding by the Government of Bayelsa and Abia.
These allegations, brought to light by Tracka, a BudgIT project focused on tracking budget implementation, have raised concerns about fiscal responsibility and transparency in state governance.
Bayelsa State’s Controversial Budget Allocations
According to information shared by Tracka on their official X (formerly Twitter) account, the Bayelsa state government allocated N700 million for “50 torchlights and 100 walkie-talkies for Bayelsa Community Safety Corps”.
Also, N4.6 billion was allocated for the purchase of 20 Hilux vehicles and SUVs while N1.2 billion was set aside for government printing machines
Abia State’s Budget Under Scrutiny
In a similar vein, Tracka has also highlighted questionable budget allocations in Abia State under Governor Alex Otti’s administration.
They include allocation of N1.5 billion for the purchase of two Toyota Hilux vehicles while N10 billion was allocated to establish a Film Village.
Further scrutiny of the budget showed that Otti’s administration which claimed to have cut the cost of Governance budgeted N1.5 billion for cars for Commissioners, Judiciary, and Permanent Secretaries and N2.8 billion for buses for Government House and MDAs.
These revelations follows previous allegations raised on budget padding in the 2024 budget by Senator Abdul Ningi.
Rather than investigate the claims that the 2024 budget was padded to the tune of about N3.7 trillion, representing more than 10% of the N28.78 trillion budget, the Senate suspended Ningi for 75 days.
These figures have sparked outrage among citizens and watchdog groups, questioning the justification for such high expenditures on basic equipment and vehicles.
Reacting an X User, @OsabohienK wrote; “It is absolutely appalling that anyone would try to spend such ridiculous amounts on these items.😭
Tomorrow, another news will pop up and we will all move on.”
@SholaOlapade wrote; ” Nothing demonstrates lack of vision on the part of our the governing class like the budget.
When one looks at our budget over the years the little expectation left would dissipate quickly.”
“We don’t hold governments closer to us accountable enough. This “nah our own time to chop” culture will end us all soon,” PhDtweets.
At the time of reporting, the governments of Bayelsa and Abia states are yet to respond respond to these allegations and what measures, if any, will be taken to address concerns about potential budget padding ahead of the 2025 budget presentation.
