An investigative journalist known as 99% Oppressed, with the X handle @PIDOMNIGERIA, has exposed plans by President Bola Tinubu to spend 350 million Naira on the June 12 Democracy Day celebrations. This revelation comes amidst widespread economic hardship and poverty affecting millions of Nigerians.
In a post on X, obtained by Ejes Gist News, @PIDOMNIGERIA detailed the extravagant budget approved by President Tinubu. The post reads:
“Amidst the biting hunger and hardship in Nigeria, Tinubu has approved to spend 350 million Naira to celebrate Democracy Day on the 12th of June. Here is the breakdown as approved by him:
Secretariat: 50 million Naira
Venue and Entertainment: 10 million Naira
Media and Publicity: 20 million Naira
Church: 20 million Naira
Medical: 13.7 million Naira
Juma’at: 20 million Naira
Parade: 60 million Naira
Protocol: 7.3 million Naira
National Symposium: 60 million Naira
Accommodation: 29 million Naira
Security: 50 million Naira
Youth Component Programme: 10 million Naira
Total: 350 million Naira, budgeted and approved.”
Public Reaction
The revelation has sparked outrage among citizens who are struggling with severe economic challenges. Many Nigerians have taken to social media to express their frustration over the allocation of such a significant amount of money for celebrations, given the current state of the nation.
Nigeria has been grappling with rising inflation, high unemployment rates, and widespread poverty. The decision to allocate a substantial budget for Democracy Day celebrations has been criticized as insensitive to the plight of ordinary Nigerians.
While the government has not yet issued a statement regarding the budget, it is likely that they will justify the expenditure as necessary for national unity and celebration of democracy. However, critics argue that the funds could be better spent on urgent social and economic needs.
The detailed breakdown of the 350 million Naira budget includes:
Secretariat: 50 million Naira
Venue and Entertainment: 10 million Naira
Media and Publicity: 20 million Naira
Church: 20 million Naira
Medical: 13.7 million Naira
Juma’at: 20 million Naira
Parade: 60 million Naira
Protocol: 7.3 million Naira
National Symposium: 60 million Naira
Accommodation: 29 million Naira
Security: 50 million Naira
Youth Component Programme: 10 million Naira
As Nigeria approaches Democracy Day on June 12, the revelation of the 350 million Naira budget has added to the growing discontent among Nigerians.