Politics
Buhari assents to N17.127Trillion budget in company of Lawan, Gbajiabiamila
President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday in Abuja signed into law the 2022 Appropriation Bill and the 2021 Finance Bill.
The President signed the documents in the Presidential Villa in the presence of Senate President Ahmed Lawan, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, and other members of the Federal Executive Council.
The President’s is in keeping with the tradition of restoring a predictable January to December fiscal year, as provided for in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,
Speaking at the event, the President said the 2022 Budget, just signed into law, provides for aggregate expenditures of N17.127 trillion, an increase of N735.85 billion over the initial Executive Proposal for a total expenditure of N16.391 trillion.
The President explained that N186.53 billion of the increase however came from additional critical expenditures that he had authorized the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning to forward to the National Assembly.
‘‘The Minister will provide the public with the details of the budget as passed by the National Assembly, and signed into law by me,’’ he said.
The President announced that as the 2023 Budget is going to be a transition budget, work will start in earnest to ensure early submission of the 2023-2025 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper as well as the 2023 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly.
He, therefore, directed Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to cooperate with the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, more specifically with the Budget Office of the Federation, to realise this very important objective.
President Buhari also expressed strong reservations on the ‘‘worrisome changes’’ made by the National Assembly to the 2022 Executive Budget proposal.
He announced that he would revert to the National Assembly with a request for amendment as soon as the Assembly resumes to ensure that critical ongoing projects cardinal to this administration do not suffer a setback due to reduced funding.
The President recounted that during the presentation of the 2022 Appropriation Bill, he had stated that the fiscal year 2022 would be very crucial in his administration’s efforts to complete and put to use critical agenda projects, as well as improve the general living conditions of our people.
‘‘It is in this regard that I must express my reservations about many of the changes that the National Assembly has made to the 2022 Executive Budget proposal.
‘‘Some of the worrisome changes are as follows:
‘‘Increase in projected FGN Independent Revenue by N400 billion, the justification for which is yet to be provided to the Executive;
‘‘Reduction in the provision for Sinking Fund to Retire Maturing Bonds by N22 billion without any explanation;
‘‘Reduction of the provisions for the Non-Regular Allowances of the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Navy by N15 billion and N5 billion respectively.
‘‘This is particularly worrisome because personnel cost provisions are based on agencies’ nominal roll and approved salaries/allowances;
‘‘Furthermore, an increase of N21.72 billion in the Overhead budgets of some MDAs, while the sum of N1.96 billion was cut from the provision for some MDAs without apparent justification;
‘‘Increase in the provision for Capital spending (excluding Capital share in Statutory Transfer) by a net amount of N575.63 billion, from N4.89 trillion to N5.47 trillion.’’
President Buhari also expressed concern in the reductions in provisions for some critical projects, including N12.6 billion in the Ministry of Transport’s budget for the ongoing Rail Modernisation projects; N25.8 billion from Power Sector Reform Programme under the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning; N14.5 billion from several projects of the Ministry of Agriculture, and introducing over 1,500 new projects into the budgets of this Ministry and its agencies.
Further, the President also expressed his reservations on the following:
‘‘Inclusion of new provisions totaling N36.59 billion for National Assembly’s projects in the Service Wide Vote which negates the principles of separation of Powers and financial autonomy of the Legislative arm of government.
‘‘The changes to the original Executive proposal are in the form of new insertions, outright removals, reductions and/or increases in the amounts allocated to projects.
‘‘Provisions made for as many as 10,733 projects were reduced while 6,576 new projects were introduced into the budget by the National Assembly.
‘‘Reduction in the provisions for many strategic capital projects to introduce ‘Empowerment’ projects.
‘‘The cuts in the provisions for several of these projects by the National Assembly may render the projects unimplementable or set back their completion, especially some of this Administration’s strategic capital projects.
‘‘Most of the projects inserted relate to matters that are basically the responsibilities of State and Local Governments, and do not appear to have been properly conceptualised, designed and costed.
‘‘Many more projects have been added to the budgets of some MDAs with no consideration for the institutional capacity to execute the additional projects and/or for the incremental recurrent expenditure that may be required.’’
President Buhari declared that it was surprising that despite the National Assembly increasing projected revenue by N609.27 billion, the additional Executive request of N186.53 billion for critical expenditure items could not be accommodated without increasing the deficit, while the sum of N550.59 billion from the projected incremental revenues was allocated at the discretion of National Assembly.
‘‘I signed the 2022 Appropriation Bill into law to enable its implementation to commence on 1st January 2022.
‘‘However, I will revert to the National Assembly with a request for amendment and/or virement as soon as the Assembly resumes to ensure that critical ongoing projects that are cardinal to this administration, and those nearing completion, do not suffer a setback due to reduced funding.’’
On COVID-19 and budget implementation, the President said despite the lingering adverse effects of the pandemic, he was happy with the success recorded in the implementation of the 2021 Budget.
‘‘The sum of N3.94 trillion that was provided for the implementation of capital projects by MDAs during the fiscal year has been released fully.
‘‘To enable MDAs to complete the implementation of their 2021 capital projects and optimise the impact of the capital budget on the economy, they have been allowed to continue to expend the funds released for their 2021 capital budgets till 31st March, 2022,’’ he said.
The President commended the understanding and speedy action of the National Assembly on this matter.
‘‘As the 2022 Budget will be the last full year budget to be implemented by our Administration, its effective implementation is very critical for delivering our legacy projects, promoting social inclusion and strengthening the resilience of the economy.
‘‘The Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning will implement all measures required to ensure timely and targeted release of capital votes.
‘‘All MDAs are to effect early commencement of project implementation, while ensuring productive use of funds provided for achievement of the objectives set for their sectors.
‘‘Considering the incidence of new COVID-19 variants globally, we will ensure timely implementation of measures provided for in the 2022 Budget to contain the spread of the virus and protect our people.
‘‘We continue to count on the collaboration of the State governments in our effort to protect the lives and livelihood of our people.’’
To achieve the laudable objectives of the 2022 Budget, President Buhari pledged that the Federal Government would further intensify revenue mobilis
The All Progressives Congress, APC, primary election for the Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency in Plateau State was thrown into chaos on Saturday after suspected thugs disrupted the vote-counting process, forcing electoral officials and party members to flee for safety.
The incident occurred at the RCM Primary School in Zarmaganda, Jos South Local Government Area, during a direct primary election organised ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Trouble reportedly started after disagreements emerged between supporters of former House of Representatives member, Dachung Baggos, and another aspirant, Hon. Esther Dung, over the outcome of the exercise.
SEE ALSO: Plateau Police on High Alert as Muslims Celebrate Eid in Jos
Party sources disclosed that electoral officials had commenced a recount of votes following protests by supporters of Baggos, who rejected the earlier declaration of Esther Dung as the winner.
During the recount, Baggos was said to have polled 570 votes, while another aspirant, Arum, secured 66 votes before the process was interrupted.
Tension escalated when officials moved to count votes belonging to Esther Dung, as suspected hoodlums stormed the venue and disrupted the exercise.
An APC official, Nandom Paul, confirmed the incident, explaining that supporters of Dung opposed the recount on the grounds that many accredited voters had already cast their ballots and left the venue.
According to him, efforts by the electoral officer to calm both camps and assure them of transparency failed to resolve the disagreement.
The situation later turned violent, forcing party officials, electoral officers, and supporters to scamper for safety as security operatives intervened and evacuated officials from the scene.
Meanwhile, in a related primary election held at Zawan A Ward in Jos South LGA, Esther Bitrus emerged victorious after polling 316 votes to defeat Dachung Baggos, who secured 130 votes, while Ajiji received two votes.
A monitor of the exercise, Jude Dalyop, described the Zawan A Ward primary as peaceful and credible, noting that agents of all aspirants were present throughout the process.
The APC is expected to collate and officially announce the final results for the Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency after voting concludes across all wards.
The battle for Nigeria’s presidency in 2027 has officially gathered momentum as leading opposition figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, and Oyo State governor Seyi Makinde intensified moves aimed at challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The opposition leaders made major political declarations on Thursday, unveiling plans, alliances, and presidential ambitions that could reshape the country’s political landscape ahead of the next general election.
SEE ALSO: 2027: Kwankwasiyya Movement Fires Warning Shot Over Attacks on Kwankwaso
Atiku Abubakar, now contesting under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), submitted his presidential nomination form at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, describing his ambition as part of a broader mission to rescue Nigeria from hardship and despair.
According to the former vice president, Nigerians must unite beyond ethnic and religious divisions to restore prosperity and rebuild confidence in governance.
“This is more than a political journey; it is a national movement rooted in hope, renewal, and the collective resolve to save Nigeria from despair,” Atiku said.
Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, who also submitted his nomination form under the ADC, launched a scathing criticism of the APC-led administration, blaming the “Emilokan” ideology for the economic suffering currently facing Nigerians.
Amaechi argued that leadership should be based on competence and performance rather than tribal, regional, or religious sentiments.
“It is Emilokan that brought us here. Nigerians are suffering,” he declared while addressing supporters in Abuja.
The former Rivers governor further questioned the APC’s push for another term, insisting the current administration had failed to improve the welfare of Nigerians.
Meanwhile, Peter Obi disclosed that he would spend only one term in office if elected president in 2027.
Speaking during an interview on News Central TV, the former Labour Party presidential candidate stated that he had no intention of remaining in power beyond four years.
“I want to be a one-term president because of stability. I will not stay a day longer than four years,” Obi stated.
He also criticised the country’s worsening economic conditions, rising debt profile, and increasing hardship under the current administration.
In Ibadan, Governor Seyi Makinde formally declared his presidential ambition under a new political alliance involving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM).
Makinde announced the launch of the “Reset Nigeria Movement,” which he described as the beginning of a wider opposition coalition determined to offer Nigerians a credible alternative in 2027.
The Oyo governor accused the ruling party of weakening democracy and attempting to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.
“The economic and security situations continue to worsen, forcing Nigerians into survival mode,” Makinde said during a mega rally at Mapo Hall.
He urged opposition parties and ordinary citizens to unite in order to rescue the country from worsening insecurity, poverty, and economic hardship.
A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Bauchi State, Alhaji Usman Adamu, has come to the defence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying most of those accusing him of working for the All Progressives Congress (APC) have now joined the ruling party themselves.
Adamu made the remarks in Abuja while submitting his nomination forms for the Bauchi governorship race ahead of the 2027 elections.
The PDP aspirant dismissed claims that Wike was secretly backing the APC, arguing that many of the minister’s critics had already defected to the ruling party.
SEE ALSO: “PDP Can’t Unseat Tinubu with Wike in Charge” — Ulasi Blows Hot, Threatens Exit
“About 85 per cent of those accusing him have already officially decamped to the APC. Who is working for APC?” he asked.
Praising Wike’s political strength and influence within the PDP, Adamu compared the minister’s political survival to a football match where one player defeated several opponents.
“Before, about 14 governors ganged up against one person. Gradually, one after the other, you were scoring one, two. I have never seen such a scorer. In the end, the match ended 14-0. I am thanking Wike,” he said.
According to him, politics is like a battlefield that requires strategy, leadership and strong fighters to secure victory.
Turning to his governorship ambition, Adamu described himself as a unifying figure capable of bridging the gap between youths, women and elders in Bauchi State.
“I am not too old and neither too young to be a leader in this country. I will be the bridge between the women, youths and elders,” he stated.
On regional politics in the state, Adamu said he does not belong to either of the dominant blocs, stressing that he would stand as a neutral force for unity.
“We have a dichotomy in the state that is called Bauchi-Kataokum. I don’t belong to Bauchi, I don’t belong to Kataokum. I will be in the middle of this place,” he added.
The PDP governorship hopeful also expressed confidence in his chances of winning the election, even if the incumbent governor supports another candidate.
“Power and authority belongs to God and only Him can decide the future with certainty. Bauchi people are very wise and they can choose what they want for themselves,” he said.
Adamu further dismissed reports suggesting the PDP was losing relevance in Bauchi State due to internal crises and defections.
“As far as I am concerned, there is one party here, which is PDP. PDP has its stronghold in Bauchi. Most of the people of Bauchi are PDP and you cannot change them from that position,” he declared.
He also questioned the legitimacy of rival factions within the party, insisting that only leaders recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should be taken seriously.
Despite ongoing tensions within the opposition party, Adamu maintained that the PDP would emerge stronger after its primaries and remain a major political force in Bauchi State.
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