Tinubu shows empathy towards Nigerians – FG to Obi

Obi asserted that the President disregarded urgent national requirements and some emergencies.

The Federal Government has refuted a statement made by Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) candidate for president in the 2023 election, alleging that President Bola Tinubu is callous and indifferent to the plight of Nigerians.

Obi took to his X handle a day after Tinubu signed the N2.17 trillion supplemental budget into law, accusing the President of ignoring some emergencies and urgent national needs.

According to the way the budgetary allocations were made, the LP presidential candidate claimed Tinubu was blatantly ignorant of the grave situation facing the nation.

The budget, however, “is not insensitive, but rather a bold and pragmatic response to the pressing and economic challenges Nigeria currently faces,” stated Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris in a prompt response.

The minister asked Obi to take the time to familiarise himself with the specifics of the supplemental budget in a statement released on Thursday. These details include funding for vital sectors such as security, housing and construction, agriculture and food security, worker wages, student loan programmes, and social safety nets, all of which are intended to bolster the nation’s economic underpinnings and enhance the quality of life for Nigerians.

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According to his media aide Rabiu Ibrahim, the minister stated, “The broad provision in the supplemental budget is a reflection of President Tinubu’s strong desire and eagerness to support the vital functions of government, address urgent security needs, and fast-track the country’s recovery process from the economic impact occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy.”

Idris explained that the supplementary budget was the result of active engagement and consultation with relevant stakeholders who made sure that the budgetary provisions were in line with the needs and expectations of Nigerians. He asked the opposition to exercise their right to differing opinions with knowledge and objectivity and to refrain from distorting the truth for political purposes.

He underlined that every item in the supplemental budget has been carefully examined to guarantee effective use of public monies, in keeping with President Tinubu’s preference for accountability and openness in government expenditures.