PRP kicks as Bauchi budgets N1.4b for travel, N1b for fuel

The Bauchi State Chapter of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has described the N1.4 billion budget for travel and another N1 billion for fuel as a “shameful display of mismanagement and greed” by the state government.

The party expressed its disapproval and disgust over the recently unveiled budget plans of the state government and the State House of Assembly. In a statement on Friday, the State Secretary of the Party, Wada Abdullahi, said, “It is time to shine a light on the disturbing priorities of those in power and to hold them accountable for their greed and irresponsibility amidst the growing economic struggles faced by the people of Bauchi State.”

Abdullahi highlighted that the party took a critical look at the N1 billion earmarked for fueling vehicles and generators for the Government House. He noted that N500 million is set aside for fueling vehicles, while N500 million is allocated for fueling generators.

“This total of N1 billion not only highlights the extravagant lifestyles of our leaders but paints a clear picture of their mismanagement of state resources. While families in Bauchi struggle to make ends meet, our government seems more focused on extravagance than on the pressing needs of its citizens,” he said.

The party further lamented: “As if that were not enough, we are faced with the shocking revelation that the State House of Assembly plans to squander an additional N1.4 billion on travel expenses! This begs the question: how many life-changing healthcare facilities and schools could be built with such a monstrous amount? Instead, our leaders have prioritized their whims over the significant issues plaguing our communities—issues that require urgent attention and funding.

“To add insult to injury, the office of the Bauchi State Secretary to the State Government is budgeting another N1 billion for international travels. While our hospitals lack basic medical equipment, our schools go underfunded, and our roads remain in disrepair, the government has decided that jaunts abroad are far more important than addressing the pressing issues facing our communities. This serves as a reminder that those in power are more concerned with self-aggrandizement than with serving the interests of their constituents.”

The PRP called on the governor and legislators to cease “this treacherous path of misappropriation and mismanagement” of public funds.

“The people of Bauchi deserve leaders who serve their best interests, not those who indulge in wasteful spending while turning a blind eye to the pressing needs of our state.”

The PRP charged the citizens of the state to rise against the culture of impunity and demand better from their elected officials. “We must unite in our quest for good governance and an end to the systematic looting of our resources. The time has come for us to reclaim our state from the hands of those who would see it perish under their greed.”