The government of Plateau State is facing public criticism for allegedly spending a whooping N500m on gift for friends during the Christmas celebration. The critics of the All Progressives Congress (APC) led government in the State considered the spending as financial recklessness, at a period of dwindling state revenue.

The State Government is said to be owing workers and political appointees three months salaries despite the bailout fund it received from the Federal Government.
The APC administration in the state has so far taken a bank loan of N10b since assumption of office seven months ago.

According to sources, the N500m spent by the government during the Christmas was sourced from local governments monthly subventions and state government federal allocation for the month of November.

They said, “All the 17 local governments got N12m deducted from their allocation through the joint account, while the remaining sum was approved by the governor to be taken from the state account.
“Contract for the supply of rice, cows and other items meant for distribution were allegedly awarded to somebody from Governor Lalong’s family, who is believed to be his blood relation,” the source said.

But the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the governor, Mr. Samuel Emmanuel Nanle debunked the allegations, describing it as “lies.”
Nanle said, “The present government cannot spend such amount for Christmas. We don’t have the luxury of spending such money. They are all lies.”
He also exonerated Lalong’s family from the supply of items distributed during the Christmas, saying, “The purchase was handled by a committee chaired by the Chief of Staff.

It was a direct purchase by the committee, not by any contractor.”