- Provisions for rent for President and VP and the huge allocation for Aso Villa maintenance do not reflect present reality
Now that details of the 2016 budget have been released by the Budget Office, speculations as to alleged extravagance in some areas could be matched with facts. One item that stands out like the sore thumb is the amount earmarked for the maintenance of the seat of power – Aso Villa. For the year, the government intends to spend about N4billion for general maintenance.
During the year, the Presidency proposes to spend N1.5 billion on motor vehicles and the accessories while about N48 million is earmarked for rent for the two leaders residing in Aso Villa. This curious item raises posers that should be answered by the Presidency. It is known by all that both the President and his deputy are quartered by the country. They are not affected by the ill-executed monetisation policy introduced by former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Why, then, should they be paid house rents?
While the government and its supporters have sought to justify the provision on the ground of the quality expected from the giant construction company, Julius Berger, and the need to project the image of the country well, some analysts have raised poser on the appropriateness of the figure at a time that Nigerians are being asked to tighten their belts in preparation for harsh economic climate.
We find it difficult to match the provision against the decay of infrastructure in the country. The universities are in sorry state as students continue to sit on window frames and some on the floor in auditoriums to receive lectures. Research grants are now rare and linkages with foreign universities are hard to come by.
Only recently, the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, announced that the Federal Government would make attempts to upgrade facilities in selected federal hospitals with a view to stemming the tide of capital flight through medical tourism. The power sector remains a puzzle. Privatisation and the elaborate road map launched for the sector under the Jonathan administration have failed to yield fruits, and the economy remains in the wood.
The budget itself is being largely funded with deficit financing owing to the depleted revenue inflow that could be traced to the slump in oil prices. These are issues posing a huge challenge to the Federal Government at the moment. Yet, the Boko Haram insurgency in the North east continues to make demands on the central purse with troops to be fed and kitted and displaced persons to be sheltered and fed. Military equipment are to be provided and large-scale destruction of infrastructure to be fixed.
One reason Nigeria remains a sleeping giant is the disposition of leaders to live like emperors of yore. The level of commitment to the public good has been abysmally low. We call on members of the executive and legislative arms of government to show dedication to the task of building a new nation. They must live by example; that is tighten their belts before seeking the understanding of their compatriots.
This is not the time to engage in frivolous spending. It is rather a time to concentrate on the essentials and build for the future. It is a time that leaders are expected to be willing to make necessary sacrifices. Besides, opulence is not generally associated with President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. One factor that attracted the electorate to the pair was the image of disciplined, Spartan men who were coming to office to serve; give rather than receive from the country. They cannot afford to betray the trust reposed in them.
