The Federal Government has slammed claims made by the 2023 Labour Party, (LP), presidential candidate, Peter Gregory Obi that stipulates, President Bola Tinubu is uncaring and insensitive to the suffering of Nigerians.
After Tinubu signed the N2.17trn supplementary budget into law, Obi had taken to his X handle claiming that the President failed to consider certain emergencies and pressing needs of the citizens and the country.
The LP presidential candidate noted that going by the manner the budgetary allocations were done, Tinubu was obviously unaware of the dire crisis in the country.
However, in a statement issued by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris on Thursday, November 9, states that the 2023 supplementary budget “is not insensitive, but rather a bold and pragmatic response to the pressing and economic challenges Nigeria currently faces”.
The minister urged Obi to take the time and effort to acquaint himself with the details of the 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 provision 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,” the minister was quoted by his media aide Rabiu Ibrahim as saying.
Idris further asked the opposition to be informed and balanced in the exercise of their right to differing opinions and refrain from misrepresentation of facts for political gains.
He added that, in line with President Tinubu’s inclination to accountability and transparency in government expenditure, all items in the supplementary budget have been meticulously scrutinized to ensure efficient utilisation of public funds.
