The Bauchi State government has come forward to refute claims made in a recent media report suggesting an overspend of over N5 billion on foodstuffs and refreshments, an amount alleged to surpass the combined budget for water facilities, education, and health services. The report in question, published by SaharaReporters on March 14, cited a Wikki Times review of the state’s budget documents, alleging a spending of N6.490 billion in these categories for the year 2023.
Contradicting this narrative, Mukhtar Gidado, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Bala Mohammed, criticised the report for its inaccuracies and misleading content. The state’s clarification paints a different picture, attributing the bulk of the expenditure to emergency interventions for palliative distribution amidst the removal of petroleum subsidy and the resultant economic hardship. This was part of a structured plan across federal and state levels, with Bauchi State receiving N2 billion from the Federal Government.
The state outlined its efforts in purchasing significant quantities of rice and maize and providing additional funding for more grains and civil servant benefits as part of these palliatives. Distribution efforts were lauded for their broad reach among needy citizens, countering the negative portrayal in the original report.
Further clarifications provided detailed expenditures in other sectors, including water supply, agriculture, healthcare, and education, which were reportedly underreported or misrepresented. For instance, the state highlighted a 77.2% performance of its water supply budget, contrary to the limited figures presented in the critique. Similarly, notable expenditures and budget performance in agriculture, healthcare, and education sectors were detailed, showcasing efforts to meet and exceed planned objectives.
These clarifications aim to challenge the narrative of mismanagement, emphasising the state’s commitment to transparency and accountability. With an 86.8% overall budget implementation performance, Bauchi State officials argue their management of public funds deserves commendation rather than criticism. The disagreement between the state’s account and the media report underscores ongoing debates over budget allocations and public spending, with calls for greater scrutiny and transparency in governance practices.
SaharaReporters