EDO BUDGET: Oshiomhole’s 2016 Budget, A Deceit, PDP Says

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Edo State chapter has said that the Governor Adams Oshiomhole-led government is not finishing well as it has proposed to implement what it described as a “Budget of Deceit”. 

Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the party, Chief Dan Osi Orbih, in a review of the budget proposal presented to the state House of Assembly stated, Governor Oshiomhole “opted for Misappropriation instead of Appropriation”.

He lamented that “Whereas Edo state government had continued to enjoy increased allocation from the federal government in years past, Adams Oshiomhole led state government has placed unbearable tax burdens on our people. To whom much is given, much is expected.

“Unfortunately, the people of Edo State have experienced untold hardship, pains, frustration and disappointment. 

What is more, we were all looking forward to the governor making amend with a budget that will address the many issues like bad roads, poor health facilities, poor education facilities, development of sports and economic measures to address the pains of the people.

“I am indeed like many others not impressed with Gov Adams Oshiomhole’s 2016 budget. Even though it was his last, he had nothing to showcase.”

Chief Orbih in a sector by sector breakdown of the proposal stated that “the Governor appropriated the sum of =N=1,400,000,000.00 to his office for tea and recharge cards, and N=1,700,000,000.00 for feeding, drinks and ticketing for the governor’s family.”

He further highlighted “Directorate of Central Administration: =N=2,550,000,000.00 for fueling of governors convoy and DTA for governors trip within the country.

“Security: Of course the contentious security vote of =N=5Billion with the hope of increasing it in a supplementary budget as has been the case in previous years.

“When you add up this money, you will discover that the Governor has Misappropriated =N=10,650,000,000.00 to his office representing 10% of the total budget.”

He also said that “It is appropriate to point out here that =N=111.5Billion was budgeted for the year 2016. Recurrent: =N=52.6B, Capital: =N= 58.9B

“When added up, the total sums of capital project headings is =N=9.94B less than the figure government is requesting.

“Edo people want to know what =N=9.94B is to be used for?” he asked.

 Culled from RipplesNigeria …without borders, without fears