News
Hardship: Akwa Ibom Governor Debunks Senate President Akpabio’s N30billion Palliative Claim, Says He May Be Speaking In Prophecy
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has said that Senate President, Godswill Akpabio’s claim that the federal government has given the 36 states of the federation N30billion for palliative to cushion the hardship in the country is a prophecy that he prays will come to pass.
Governor Eno, who said while addressing journalists on Saturday said that the federal government only gave state governments N2billion for palliative, and in turn, wrote to state governments that the N2billion was a loan and should be refunded.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on thursday, countered Akpabio’s claim, saying that the federal government did not give N30 billion to the state government as claimed by the federal lawmaker.
Senator Akpabio had on Wednesday, said that all the 36 state governors in the state received additional N30 billion from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to tackle the food scarcity situation in the country.
The Senate President who had said this during one of the plenary sessions of the federal lawmakers described the several protests held in some major cities in the country against rising hunger and hardship as sponsored by political stakeholders.
He had added that the newly released funds for the state governors are different from their monthly allocation and urged them not to divert the funds for another course different from solving foodstuff scarcity.
On Saturday, Governor Eno said, “We are in a time where people want to be relevant, and they feel that being relevant is to incite the public, tell lies against the government.
“I know no civil society behaves like that. You have to understand how civil society in other climes work and try to balance information.
“The allocation to governments is managed by the state Ministry of Finance. There is a budget and there is always a published account. I would have asked that he wait, let the account be published, then he can ask questions, rather than raise false alarm.”
Speaking further, Governor Eno said that “On the palliative, thank God he was on the palliative committee. The money that the Federal Government gave to me or to the state, and indeed, to all states, was N2 billion, even though the federal government said it was N5 billion. We are yet to receive the balance of N3 billion.
“Even the N2 billion, the federal government has written to us that it has to be refunded. If we refund the money that was generally believed to be funds that was given to the state, it means that it is the state that did the palliative.
“Beyond the N2 billion, we spent over N5 billion, even when you add the salaries that we paid for three months, we spent over that.
“On the one that states have been given N30 billion for palliative, I think it is a prophecy, and I pray the prophecy will come to pass.
“We are in the state and people are there in Abuja. Maybe there is a plan like that. So, I join in praying that it should come. It will help us a lot. But as I stand here today, we have not received more than N2 billion from the federal government on palliative, and we are made to understand that it was a loan.”
By Gloria Ikibah
As part of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the House of Representatives is set to lead a historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024, in a bold effort to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) in the country.
The march, which begins at 8:00 AM, will see over 1,000 participants, including lawmakers and members of the public walk from the National Assembly to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja. The event will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action against GBV and greater protection for vulnerable groups.
Speaking about the initiative, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD., GCON, said, “This march and the activities that follow are not mere gestures but a reflection of our determination to confront gender-based violence head-on. We are committed to building a society where justice, equality, and safety prevail for all Nigerians.”
In a statement by the House Spokesperson, Rep. Akin Rotimi on Saturday in Abuja, he said, “The 10th House of Representatives has reaffirmed its commitment to systemic reforms, collaboration, and accountability in the fight against gender-based violence.
“In addition to the march, the House has outlined key activities in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023–2027) to sustain awareness and action throughout the campaign period.
“Sash Demonstration Ceremony – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
“Convergence of State Assembly Speakers – Monday, December 9, 2024. A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative measures for combating GBV nationwide.
“National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 – Tuesday, December 10, 2024. The summit will focus on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives led by the House of Representatives”.
Naijablitznews.com reports that this year’s 16 Days of Activism aims to galvanise nationwide efforts and inspire collective action to protect human rights, ensure justice, and create a safer, more equitable Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu has departed Galeao Air force Basa (SBGL) Airport, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, for Abuja after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The President is due to arrive at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).
President Tinubu had attended the G20 Leaders summit where he endorsed the global alliance against hunger and poverty, which he said was pivotal.
The President also held bilateral talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who commended his administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators.
He also presided over the signing of a 2.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and the JBS S.A., a Brazilian company and one of the top three largest meat processing companies in the World.
The president was accompanied in the trip by senior government officials including the minister of foreign affairs yusuf Tuggar, the national security adviser, Nuhu RIBADU and many others.
HoR to Lead March, Launch Initiatives Against Gender-Based Violence
NUJ-FCT Elections: Comrade Ike To Flag-Off Campaign With Free Medical Checks, Treatment
Anambra Police arrest native doctor, one other for armed robbery, kidnapping
Just in: Terrorists ambush military truck, kill all soldiers on board
Nigerian Dancer, Korra Obidi Attacked with acid, stabbed on stage In UK
Meet Rare Gem 16 Years Old Chiaza, CEO of ‘RUN MARKET PLACE’
-
Metro20 hours agoCourt remands 113 foreigners over alleged cybercrime
-
Metro15 hours agoBusinessDay Journalist Finally Regains Freedom From ‘One-Chance’ Kidnappers In Abuja
-
Metro15 hours agoPolice recover stolen SUV after gun duel with robbers in Abuja
-
News20 hours agoFull List: Innoson, Mitsubishi, Dantama , Others – CAC Delists 80,000 Companies
-
News21 hours agoJapa: We’ve discovered over 10,000 fraudulent foreign student acceptance letters – Canadian Authorities
-
Metro20 hours agoGunmen kidnap journalist’s relatives, demand N50m ransom
-
News20 hours agoFG reinstates Ikechebelu and Modebelu as UNIZIK Acting VC and Registrar
-
News15 hours agoFG insists Rivers State funds is intact was never stopped