The federal government has replied Peter Obi, the presidential candidates of Labour Party in the 2023 election after he criticised the 2023 supplementary budget.
Obi had slammed FG over plans to spend billions of naira on a presidential yacht and the purchase of cars worth billons of naira for the first lady.
Reacting, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, said the budget is a bold and pragmatic response to address the current economic challenges.
Idris stated this in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Rabiu Ibrahim, on Thursday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Bola Tinubu, on Nov. 8, signed the 2023 supplementary budget into law.
However, Mr Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, claimed that the 2023 supplementary budget was insensitive.
The Minister admonished Obi to take the time and effort to acquaint himself with the details of the N2.17 trillion 2023 Supplementary Budget.
He said that highlights of the budget included allocations for essential sectors, including security, agriculture and food security, works and housing, wage increases for workers, student loan scheme, and social safety nets, among others.
“All these aimed at strengthening the country’s economic foundation and improving the living conditions of Nigerians.
“The broad provisions in the supplementary budget is a reflection of President Tinubu’s strong desire and eagerness to support the vital functions of government.
“These include addressing urgent security needs, and fast-track the country’s recovery process from the economic impact occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy,” he said.
Idris urged the opposition to be informed and balanced in the exercise of their right to differing opinions and refrain from misrepresentation of facts for political gains.
He said the supplementary budget was derived from the active engagement and consultations with relevant stakeholders who ensured that the budgetary provisions aligned with the needs and expectations of Nigerians.
“In line with President Tinubu’s inclination to accountability and transparency in government expenditure, all items in the supplementary budget have been meticulously scrutinised to ensure efficient utilisation of public funds,” he added.