Says Budget not anti-North
The Presidency has denied the allegation that President Bola Tinubu is implementing a budget different from what the National Assembly passed, saying that the N1.2 trillion differentials was added by the lawmakers.
The Presidency also debunked the insinuation that the 2024 budget being implemented by President Tinubu is anti-North.
The denials were contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, titled: The facts about 2024 budget.
The Presidency also denied the allegations by northern senators that the 2024 budget was against the interest of the region.
Onanuga said President Tinubu is leading a government that is fair and equitable to every part and segment of Nigeria, adding that in terms of funding, distribution of capital and priority projects, the 2024 Appropriation Act was not skewed against any section of the country.
He further explained that the North, as an integral part of the country, is well covered in all areas, from security to agriculture, healthcare to education, and other important infrastructure such as roads, rail, dams, power and irrigation projects to support all year-round agriculture.
On the uncharitable claim that the 2024 Budget was anti-North, we found such position as canvassed by Senator Ningi as too far-fetched and unbecoming of a leader of his status.
President Tinubu is leading a government that is fair and equitable to every part and segment of Nigeria. In terms of funding, distribution of capital and priority projects, the 2024 Appropriation Act was not skewed against any section of the country.
The North, as an integral part of the country, is well covered in all areas, from security to agriculture, healthcare to education, and other important infrastructure such as roads, rail, dams, power and irrigation projects to support all year-round agriculture, the statement added.
He said, it is concerning that a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria can employ such primordial antics to fuel divisive rhetoric at a time well-meaning Nigerians are joining hands with President Tinubu to raise the spirit of national cohesion, unity and inclusive politics.
He further said, President Tinubu is a firm believer in the rule of law and Constitutional democracy. As an avowed democrat, he will not engage and indulge in any unconstitutional action or act in any manner that assaults the Constitution of Nigeria by operating any budget outside the one approved by the National Assembly, which he dutifully signed into law.
We want to state categorically that the only 2024 Budget that is being implemented is the N28.7 Trillion budget passed by the National Assembly and signed by the President.
Included in the Budget are statutory transfers to the Judiciary, National Assembly, TETFund and others.
