Presidency Denies Senator’s Claims Regarding 2024 Budget

Obasempire reports that the presidency has refuted claims made by Senator Abdul Ningi, accusing him of spreading falsehoods regarding President Bola Tinubu’s handling of the 2024 budget.

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Senator Ningi, in an interview with BBC Hausa, alleged discrepancies between the budget passed by the National Assembly and the one being implemented by the federal government.

He asserted that the budget presented by President Tinubu amounted to N28.7 trillion, contrary to the N25 trillion passed by the Assembly.

However, Bayo Onanuga, a presidential spokesperson, rebuffed Ningi’s assertions in a statement, labeling them as untrue.

“To set the record straight, President Tinubu presented a budget of N27.5 trillion to the National Assembly on November 29, 2023, comprising N9.92 trillion for recurrent expenditure, N8.25 trillion for debt service, and N8.7 trillion for capital expenditure,” Onanuga clarified.

Contrary to Ningi’s claims, Onanuga emphasized that the Senate could not have debated and passed a N25 trillion budget that was never presented to the National Assembly.

“We don’t expect a senior senator to overlook such details before making baseless allegations,” Onanuga remarked.

Furthermore, Onanuga underscored that the budget signed into law by President Tinubu on January 1, 2024, amounted to N28.7 trillion, as passed by the National Assembly.

Reports suggested that Ningi and other senators, in a closed-door meeting, also accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of unlawfully inflating the budget.

Read More: Deputy Speaker Addresses Lawmakers’ Salaries, Rejects Calls for Reduction

Akpabio, however, denied the allegations during the meeting.

Regarding Ningi’s claim of bias against the North in the budget, Onanuga asserted,

“President Tinubu’s administration is committed to fairness and equity across all regions of Nigeria.”The presidential rebuttal seeks to dispel misinformation and reaffirm the government’s commitment to transparency and equitable governance.

Benjamin Kalu Commends Nigerians’ Resilience Amid Hardship, Advocates for Agricultural Subsidies

Obasempire reports that Benjamin Kalu, the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, underscored the resilience of Nigerians amidst economic challenges, emphasizing their capacity to endure hardship and persevere.

Read More: Deputy Speaker Addresses Lawmakers’ Salaries, Rejects Calls for Reduction

He stated this during a session on Wednesday in the lower legislative chamber. Kalu’s remarks came as he contributed to a discussion on food security.

The legislator highlighted the buoyant spirit of Nigerians despite prevailing economic adversities, noting that their resilience contributes to national happiness.

Kalu advocated for the subsidization of farm inputs to bolster the nation’s journey towards food security.

He urged governors to adopt policies that promote agriculture within their respective states, aiming to complement the federal government’s initiatives.

In his address, Kalu urged governors to align their policies with agricultural priorities, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts to bridge the gap between federal strategies and local implementation.

“It is high time you prioritise your policies and the mechanism to achieve those policies towards agriculture and food insecurity so that what the president is doing from this level of the federal government will be felt at the local level,” he said.

“If there is a need for subsidy in this country, it is to subsidise these farm inputs and everything that has to do with farming. Let‘s put our energy there.

Read More: Customs Halts Food Sales After Deadly Incident

“We are hardworking people in Nigeria. We have been declared as one of the happiest people in the world because we can absorb hardship and keep moving.

“The governors — we urge you to prioritise the issue of agriculture.”

Kalu’s call to action resonated with an appeal to governors, urging them to prioritize agricultural development as a crucial step towards enhancing food security nationwide.

Deputy Speaker Addresses Lawmakers’ Salaries, Rejects Calls for Reduction

Obasempire reports that the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu has emphasized that the current remuneration of federal lawmakers falls short of sustaining them in executing their duties effectively.

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In a candid discussion on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’, on Monday, Kalu dismissed claims that the average lawmaker’s salary is extravagant, asserting that it barely meets their obligations.

He underscored the distinction between salaries and allowances, emphasizing that allowances are earmarked for constituency duties and cannot be tampered with.

“The salaries of the National Assembly are significantly lower than perceived. Even a 50% or 80% reduction would not align with the economic realities,” Kalu remarked, highlighting the challenges lawmakers face in serving their constituencies adequately.

He elaborated on the financial strains lawmakers encounter, including transportation costs, running constituency offices, and maintaining aides essential for fulfilling their mandates.

Kalu maintained that slashing salaries would not resolve the underlying issues but expressed readiness for adjustments if it enhances national progress.

He said, “Considering the cost of transport, running constituency offices and the number of maintaining aides who are supposed to have you achieve what the mandate of that office demands, it is not a discussion that will add value to the crisis we are faced with.

“But I can assure you they will be willing to adjust. If that is what will move Nigeria to the next level, why not? After all, we did not send ourselves there. We were voted in by the constituents.”

Read More: Police Deploy Anti-Riot Units Ahead of Nationwide Protest

Amid discussions on fiscal prudence, Kalu commended President Bola Tinubu for his decision to implement the 2012 recommendations of the Steve Oronsaye panel, applauding Tinubu’s commitment to effective governance.

Kalu’s remarks shed light on the complexities surrounding lawmakers’ compensation and the imperative for nuanced approaches to address legislative challenges, urging stakeholders to consider the broader context in deliberating on remuneration matters.

Police Deploy Anti-Riot Units Ahead of Nationwide Protest

Obasempire reports that the Nigeria Police Force has stationed anti-riot personnel at key locations, in anticipation of today’s nationwide protest organized by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the country’s economic downturn.

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According to Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the force spokesperson, officers have been placed on red alert to manage potential unrest.

Despite warnings from the Presidency and police authorities, the NLC remains resolute in its decision to proceed with the demonstration, citing economic hardships and prevailing conditions in the country.

The protest stems from the government’s alleged failure to uphold agreements made on October 2, 2023, following the removal of fuel subsidies.

The NLC had issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to address the widespread hardships.

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun

In response to the looming protest, Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has instructed state commissioners to safeguard the demonstrators’ rights while preventing any attempts to hijack the event.

The police underscored their commitment to upholding citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly while vowing to deter any disruptions.

Adejobi emphasized the police’s preparedness to swiftly counter unlawful activities or violence during the protest, asserting that the force will not tolerate disorder or threats to public safety.

“Emphatically, the force, therefore, is fully prepared to respond swiftly and decisively to any unlawful activities or acts of violence that may threaten peace, public safety, and security in the event of such.

“It is vital to state that the police have spread their tentacles nationwide to curb any attempt by some individuals who might want to leverage the nationwide protests to create brouhaha, and such will be met with approved legal and proportional force as the police will not allow the wanton breakdown of law and order, loss of lives and property like we had experienced, in some instances, in the past, in some parts of the country,’’ Adejobi stated.

The force spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi,

The statement read in part, “The Nigeria Police Force on the heels of the proposed nationwide protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress hereby affirms the fundamental right of all citizens of the country to engage in peaceful protest in line with extant laws.

“As such, the NPF reiterates its commitment to ensuring the rights and freedom of protesters are protected.

“In line with its lawful duty to maintain law and order, the Nigeria Police Force has deployed personnel nationwide and placed them on red alert to monitor the planned protest.

Read More: Customs Halts Food Sales After Deadly Incident

“All commissioners of police and their respective supervising officers have been briefed and instructed to coordinate the officers on the ground in ensuring the safety and security of all participants if the protests hold as planned.’

’In a bid to facilitate a peaceful rally, police commands in Delta, Benue, and Niger states have engaged with labor leaders to coordinate efforts for a smooth protest.

Customs Halts Food Sales After Deadly Incident

Obasempire reports that in response to a tragic event, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) declared the cessation of foodstuff sales.

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This halt became necessary after a commotion claimed seven lives at the NCS Old Zonal Headquarters in the Yaba locality of Lagos State last Friday.

Abdullahi Maiwada, the Chief Superintendent of Customs and the National Public Relations Officer for the Comptroller General of Customs, unveiled the pause in operations in a statement released on Monday.

The Nigeria Customs initially intended to vend confiscated food supplies at a rate of N10,000 per 25 kilograms to mitigate the populace’s distress amidst soaring living costs and economic adversities.

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On the ill-fated Friday, a pregnant woman and six others purportedly perished in a surge when suspected troublemakers attempted forcible entry into the Yaba Customs office premises.

Disgruntled Lagos inhabitants, who had congregated at the NCS facility in Yaba, voiced their disappointment on Monday subsequent to the discontinuation of the initiative.

Comedian Seyilaw Faces Financial Setback Due To Support For Tinubu’s Presidential Bid

Obasempire reports that renowned Nigerian comedian, Oluwaseyitan Aletile, popularly known as Seyilaw, has opened up about the monetary repercussions of endorsing Tinubu’s bid for the presidency.

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In an exclusive interview with TVC, Seyilaw revealed that he had to refund a significant sum of 15.5 million naira to certain dissatisfied clients following his public backing of Tinubu.

Comedian Seyilaw

He stressed his steadfastness in his stance, asserting that he remained resolute in his support for Tinubu despite enduring financial setbacks and business losses.

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In Seyilaw’s words: “Supporting Tinubu made me poorer, I refunded N15.5m to people who were angry that I backed Tinubu. But because I believed in my choice, that was why I was bold enough to refund money and did not back down from my support.

“Everybody knows that as a comedian December is probably the high point of our event and I lost quite a number of clients because I supported this administration. But do I regret it? No, I don’t. I believe that this administration will deliver”

President Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment To Tackling Nigeria’s Challenges

Obasempire reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reaffirmed his dedication to resolving the multifaceted challenges plaguing Nigeria.

In a resolute address to the Nigerian populace, via his official handle on Thursday, he outlined comprehensive strategies aimed at alleviating the nation’s burdens.

“I am committed to evolving home-grown solutions to tackle our nation’s food security challenges head-on, including setting up schemes to bolster local food production and cut out all forms of rent-seeking tied to food importation,” affirmed Tinubu.

During an emergency meeting convened at the State House, Tinubu engaged with stakeholders, including all 36 state governors, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the DSS, and select ministers. Discussions centered on critical issues such as security and economic stability.

Speaking on the imperative of safeguarding lives and property, Tinubu announced the establishment of a committee comprising state governors and federal representatives to explore the viability of implementing state police forces.

Additionally, he endorsed the training and deployment of forest rangers by sub-national governments to protect vital human and natural resources across communities.”I have instructed the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services to coordinate closely to ensure that security agencies in the states inspect such warehouses and take follow-up action,”

“We cannot allow speculators, hoarders, and rent seekers to undermine our efforts in ensuring that food is widely available to all Nigerians.”

“I will not establish a price control board, nor will I approve the importation of food. We must extricate ourselves from this predicament because importation only enables rent seekers to perpetrate fraud and mismanagement at our collective expense.”

“Instead, we will support our farmers with schemes that encourage them to cultivate more food for the nation.”

“We must also rapidly but thoughtfully implement our livestock development and management plans, including dairy farming and others.” Tinubu stated regarding reports of food hoarding in warehouses, particularly in Kano and other regions.

On the monetary front, Tinubu urged governors to entrust the Central Bank of Nigeria with the effective management of the nation’s monetary policy. He decried the disruptive impact of unfounded speculations on foreign exchange rates and called for adherence to designated institutional mandates.

“I urge all governors to trust the Central Bank of Nigeria with the management of our country’s monetary policy and emphasized the need for designated institutions to effectively fulfill their mandate,” Tinubu emphasized.

“The “cacophony of postulations” on the fluctuation of foreign exchange rates is adversely affecting the market. Not everyone can be an expert. If we have assigned someone a task, we must allow them to perform it. If they fail, then we must find a way to quickly remove them from the system,” he added.

In conclusion, Tinubu rallied leaders at all levels to unite in confronting Nigeria’s pressing challenges, underscoring the collective responsibility to secure a prosperous and stable future for all Nigerians.

“I also ask our governors to always prioritize the welfare and prosperity of our people in their development programs, and I asssure them that the federal government will continue to work diligently to improve the nation’s revenue profile.”

“As leaders, we must all work together to address issues of insecurity, food security, and out-of-school children,” he concluded.