FG tackles Obi, says 2023 supplementary budget is bold response to economic challenges
The Federal Government has taken a swipe at the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, over his comments on the 2023 Supplementary Budget.
Obi had, in a statement via his X handle on Wednesday, condemned the Federal Government, saying the 2023 supplementary budget did not reflect vital national concerns as Nigerians face the biting aftermath of the already removed subsidy on petrol.
The former Anambra State governor literally threw the Federal Government under a moving train for not budgeting for what would ease the hunger in the country. He flayed the APC-led government’s mysterious financial appropriation for a presidential yacht and official vehicles, among others.
While reacting in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, defended the appropriation, noting that the 2023 supplementary budget is a bold and pragmatic response to address the current economic challenges.
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Rabiu Ibrahim, Idris stressed that the budget included financial allocations for essential sectors including security, agriculture and food security, works and housing, wage increases for workers, student loan schemes, and social safety nets, among others.
The minister charged the third-placed presidential candidate at the February 2023 election to take the time and effort to familiarize himself with the details of the N2.17 trillion 2023 supplementary budget.
The statement reads: “All these aim at strengthening the country’s economic foundation and improving the living conditions of Nigerians.
“The broad provisions in the supplementary budget are a reflection of President Tinubu’s strong desire and eagerness to support the vital functions of government.
“These include addressing urgent security needs, and fast-track the country’s recovery process from the economic impact occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy.”
He added: “In line with President Tinubu’s inclination to accountability and transparency in government expenditure, all items in the supplementary budget have been meticulously scrutinised to ensure efficient utilisation of public funds.” He said.
