Benue leaders angry over Samuel Ortom’s poor performance
- Warn 2023 gubernatorial aspirants
An extract from the 2021 State of the States Report by BudgIT
It is a very damming report on the economy of Benue State as at 2020. Some of us knew that it was bad but we were not prepared for this bad. The report states that; “…the state known as the “Food basket of the Nation”, was unable to translate its agricultural fruitfulness into fiscal fruitfulness in 2020… The state fell from its 32nd position in 2020 to 34th position in the 2021 Fiscal Performance Ranking”. It was observed that Benue also experienced negative growth.
In 2019 Benue spent N12.65bn and in 2020, it spent N8.40bn (a difference of N4.25bn) decreasing by about 33.59%. This decline in actual capex translates to N1,298 per capita—the lowest in the entire federation—which is a far cry from the national average of N8,129. Perhaps more disturbing (despite the occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic) is the fact that the state spent eight times more on recurrent expenditure (N69.73bn) in 2020, than on capex (N8.40bn). The bulk of the spending on recurrent expenditure, went to ‘Personal Emoluments’ [sic] and ‘Overhead costs’, which represents 92.68% of the total recurrent expenditure. Benue state had one of the worst IGR performances in the federation. Its IGR fell by 41.38% from N17.85bn in 2019 to N10.46bn in 2020. The 2020 total debt figures of N138.48bn translates to a debt per capita of N21,390 and Benue is one of the 5 states in the federation with the highest additions to their total debt stock. Its debt stock grew from N108.96bn in 2019 to N138.48bn in 2020. Ability to meet their Operating Expenses (Recurrent Expenditure) obligations with only the sum of their Internally Generated Revenue and VAT received. 34 out of 36 states. Ability to cover all operating expenses and loan repayment obligations with their Total Revenue (Internally) 35 out of 36 states. How much fiscal room states have to borrow more 30 out of 36. Degree to which each State prioritises capital expenditure with respect to their operating expenses (recurrent expenditure), 36 out of 36. Poverty rate of 32.90%. Domestic debt is =N=126.13 billion while foreign debt is $32.5 million. Debt per capita is =N=21,390.00Unemployment rate of 55.50%. Recommended job creation target of 84,828 for the next four years.
For those seeking to govern the state come 2023, this is the type of economic mess we should expect. Reversing these numbers will involve very deep creative thinking and unorthodox policy actions. We urge aspirants to read the report and begin to think of solutions. For whoever picks the ticket and gets elected, he or she will need help from us all.
BPGG MEDIA GROUP
BudgIT works to bring budgets and public finance data for state. Top of Form
The work revolves around four key pillars -providing simplified access to budgets and related public finance data, project monitoring for efficient service delivery, promoting accountability and fiscal inclusion in the extractive industries and also support to willing government, media and civil society institutions.
LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU: REVIEW OF REVENUE ALLOCATION FORMULA LONG OVERDUE
- Reiterates Demand for Special Status for Lagos
- Says Prosperity of Lagos State Has Multiplying Effect on S’West, Nigeria
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Monday declared that the need for a new revenue sharing formula among the three tiers of government is very straightforward, self-justifying and in no way controversial.
He said the review of the current revenue allocation formula is long overdue, as the prosperity of Lagos State directly or indirectly has its multiplying effect on the South-West region and the entire country as whole.
Speaking at the opening of a two-day South-West Zonal Public hearing on review of revenue allocation formula by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), held on Monday at Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the best way to guarantee national progress and development is by paying attention to sub-national development because the national is a summation and a reflection of the sub-national.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also reiterated the call for Lagos State to be accorded special status in recognition of its huge financial commitments to infrastructure and provision of basic amenities for the increasing population of its residents, as well as its preeminent contribution to the national coffers.
He said the call, which has been re-echoed at different fora and at various levels and tiers of government, cannot be over emphasised, especially against the backdrop of the current economic situation of the country, the aftermath of the EndSARS protests a year ago, and the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, for which Lagos has been the national epicenter.
“Our demand is a sharing formula that is just, fair and equitable; reflecting the contribution of stakeholders to the common purse; and also one that enhances the capacity of state and local governments to deliver high-quality services and the full dividends of democracy to the greatest number of our people.
“Lagos State is no doubt the nation’s commercial capital, and population center. The level of funding required to service the State’s social and public infrastructure is so significant that it will be difficult for the State to bear the burden for much longer under the present arrangement.
“I should say that it will actually be unfair to expect the State to bear this heavy burden on its own. It is therefore necessary to give due consideration to all the variables that support our advocacy for a Special Status.
“The call for a special status for Lagos is not a selfish proposition; it is in the best interest of the country and all Nigerians, for Lagos which accounts for about 20 per cent of the national GDP and about 10 per cent of the nation’s population to continue to prosper,” the Governor said.
Justifying the need for Lagos State to be accorded special status, Governor Sanwo-Olu said Lagos is more than just another state in the Nigerian federation, noting that there is no tribe in the country that has no significant stake in Lagos State.
He said: “As the former capital of the country for 77 years (compared to the 28 years that Abuja has been the Federal Capital Territory), Nigeria’s largest metropolis still bears the heavy brunt of being home to all Nigerians; irrespective of age, class, gender, religious affiliation or tribe.
“There are several statistics that shows the number of people that comes into Lagos every day, however, there are clear indications that most of these people migrate with the intention to make Lagos their new home and in pursuit of personal dreams due to the opportunities the city-state seemingly possesses, and this portends additional responsibilities on the government.
“Additionally, Lagos still harbors a huge number of federal establishments which could not be moved to Abuja. These include military cantonments and barracks, Police, Customs, Immigration, Civil Defence, Prisons, Road Safety and security/intelligence establishments.
“There are several reasons to justify the call for a special status for Lagos apart from the aforementioned factors and by extension, a review of the Revenue Allocation Sharing Formula.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu also said that it will be totally unfair for Lagos State to be left alone to bear the burden of the massive destruction experienced by the State during the EndSARS protests hijacked by hoodlums and the COVID-19 pandemic without assistance from the Centre.
“This month marks one year after the massive destruction experienced by the State in the violence that accompanied the hijacking of the EndSARS protests. Public buildings were burnt down and historical infrastructure destroyed.
“Although we have put that experience behind us and forged ahead, the reality of this unfortunate incident remains with us; resources that should be committed to other areas of need are now being used for the restoration of these public facilities. It will be totally unfair for Lagos State to be left alone to bear these huge expenses without assistance from the Centre.
“COVID-19 pandemic is another issue that has once again, supported the justification for Lagos to be accorded the privilege of a special status. As much as this affects the entire country, it is a fact that the degree of havoc caused by this virus differs from State to State.
“Lagos was the epicenter for this virus, the same way it was for the Ebola virus some years ago.
The management of these unforeseen occurrences comes with huge responsibilities and financial commitments on the part of the State Government,” he said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the Chairman and members of RMAFC for taking a bold step, which he believed will “result in a fundamental alteration of the current revenue sharing formula, in favor of one that is truly fair and equitable, and that takes into full consideration the specific and more pragmatic fiscal contexts of the sub-national governments of the Federation.”
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
OCTOBER 4, 2021
WE MUST WORK TOGETHER TO SALVAGE OUR COUNTRY- GOV WIKE
Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has urged Nigerians to work together to salvage the country from current political and socio-economic woes.
He pointed out that development can only be secured in a society that promotes good governance that is predicated on the rule of law.
Governor Wike made the assertion when he hosted the former Emir of Kano and Grand Khaleefa of the Tijaniyyan Order in Nigeria, His Royal Highness, Muhammad Sanusi II, at Government House, Port Harcourt on Sunday.
According to Governor Wike, the country’s economy is not doing well and everyday Nigerians also wake up to the tails of bad news that have exerted excruciating pains on them.
Governor Wike maintained that everybody can attest to the fact that things are not well in Nigeria and it does not matter how pretenders try to exonerate themselves from the happenings.
“We should brace up; it behooves of all Nigerians to say, we must work together to salvage our country. We must work together to move this country forward. It doesn’t matter where you come from.
“Poverty does not know Fulani. It does not know Hausa. It does not know Igbo, it does not know Yoruba. It does not know other ethnic groups.”
Speaking further, Governor Wike reiterated that Rivers State will continue to be a place where every Nigerian can reside and consider as home. But, he insisted that it is also obligatory on all residents in the State to conduct their affairs within the confines of the law and be orderly.
The governor said it is the place of government to provide development for its people and ensure safety of all residents. But also noted it is wrong for some residents to view government’s development policy and efforts to provide security from the prism of religion or ethnicity.
“Rivers State, for me, is a place for all Nigerians. Wherever you come from, whether you’re from the east, you’re from the north, you’re from the west or you’re from the south. All of us are Nigerians and we do things in common.
“The only thing I have always craved for is law and order. For people to understand that no society can progress without behaving orderly, without obeying the law. When you have a lawless society with no security, you can imagine the kind of state it’ll be.”
Governor Wike enjoined the former Emir to advice his followers in the State to obey the law and live orderly.
The governor explained that the relocation of the former Oginiba Slaughter Market in Trans-Amadi Industrial Area, was a measure taken to curb the level of criminality in the area.
He said it is rather unfortunate that instead of people accepting the genuine efforts of government to create a peaceful state for everybody, they see it as measure of hatred against them.
“But as a state, you also owe that duty to protect your citizens, protect the business people , protect the property. So, when we took that decision, the next thing was that, he is demolishing where Fulanis and Hausas are. And I said what type of country we are.
“How can we live under this kind of situation?. You take a decision that is for the interest of everybody, they said it is because I don’t like them. So, if I don’t like them, why have I not closed the other slaughters?.”
Governor Wike also stated that the construction of the Nkpolu -Oroworukwo flyover in Port Harcourt has nothing to do with tribe or religion, but to further the development agenda of the State and provide safety for all residents.
“We are trying to put our State in such manner that people doing business or who live in the state will have that sense of protection.”
Stating his reasons for the courtesy call, the former Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness, Muhammad Sanusi II said he was on familiarisation tour to leaders and members of Tjjaniyya Order who are resident in Rivers State because he is their Grand Khaleefa.
He noted with delight the quality of leadership demonstrated by Governor Wike in making Rivers State home for all Nigerians.
He also acknowledged the quality of public infrastructure, the development strides and security provided for all residents by the Wike’s administration.
“This is part of the familiarisation tour to meet with the leaders and members of the order here in Port Harcourt. I will like to thank your excellency, they have informed me of the support they have received and we have watched closely the efforts of his excellency to make Rivers a home for all Nigerians. To make all Nigerians feel they’re true citizens of this country and to protect life and property and the freedom of persons.”
He assured the governor that the Order does not tolerate extremism, but advocates peace, brotherhood, togetherness, solidarity and progress of the country.
“I would like to assure you that this order is a Sufi Order, it is a peaceful order. We do not have among us any extremist. We do not encourage any kind of criminal activity. We advocate peace, brotherhood, togetherness, solidarity. Our interest would be the progress of this country. But we are committed as a group to play our role in supporting leadership that will bring development to the Nigerian people because we are convinced that if the leadership of the country and the sub-nationals is not up to speed, all of us suffer. If we have good leaders, all Nigerians benefit.”
Kelvin Ebiri
Special Assistant (Media) Rivers State Governor
October 03, 2021.
LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU: LASG’LL COLLABORATE WITH ORGANISATIONS TO ADDRESS DRUG ABUSE, SOCIAL VICES
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Sunday said his administration will continue to work collaboratively with organisations and individuals to create a future that is needed to put the citizens of Lagos in a better sphere.
He said this at the commissioning of Ile Ayo (House of Joy) Drug Rehabilitation Facility in Alausa, Ikeja by the Freedom Foundation in collaboration with the Lagos State Government.
Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the founder of the Freedom Foundation, Pastor (Dr.) Tony Rapu, for his commitment toward empowering the youths and addressing social vices, especially issues of drugs abuse and substance abuse.
He said Ile Ayo is a real partnership that presents a platform that would not be put to waste and that would move Lagos State and Nigeria forward as well as a community-based centre that had divine involvement.
Also speaking at the God Bless Nigeria (GBN) Independence Day Freedom Rally held at Agege Stadium, on Sunday, Governor Sanwo-Olu in his keynote address, said his administration is ready to give a better life, job opportunities and work together with communities across the State to make life more meaningful to the youths.
He said: “All we are about is the spirit of collaboration; it is the spirit of togetherness and oneness. And that is the reason Lagos State Government and I personally will work with Freedom Foundation to see that they scale up all the good things they are doing to bring about community development, skill acquisition, jobs creation.
“We will be working with them and we will be identifying various spots where we need to have interventions. We need to create community-based engagement where our youths and everybody will have a sense of belongings.
“We will ensure that we work collaboratively to assist everybody that needs help and those who have issues that need to be resolved, be it drug, substance use and abuse would be assisted to give everybody a new hope, a new life, a new beginning so that they can become better citizens for Nigeria, better Lagosians and better individuals for their families.”
The Founder of Freedom Foundation, Dr. Tony Rapu commended the Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration for collaboration with his foundation, saying the Operation Better Life initiative by his foundation is a partnership for transformation through rehabilitation, welfare, empowerment and skills acquisition to build the capacity of young men and women on the streets.
“I want to appreciate Governor Sanwo-Olu. He is a Governor who listens to people. He is a Governor whose heart is for the people and above all, he is a man who wants to work for the betterment of the people,” he said.
The Chairman of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, Mrs. Bola Adesola, said the initiative of the Freedom Foundation in collaboration with the Lagos State Government aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda.
She said the employment trust fund will assist beneficiaries of the Ile Alayo Drug Rehabilitation Facility and other programmes of the Freedom Foundation with job opportunities and necessary skills for them to be empowered and become responsible citizens.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Segun Dawodu said his ministry would continue to partner with Freedom Foundation and other stakeholders on the need to ensure youths have sound health and eradicate social menace in the State.
Dawodu noted that the opening of the Rehabilitation centre would help alleviate the malaise faced with the youths.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
OCTOBER 3, 2021
(APC), Senator Iyiola Omisore, saying it was in bad faith.
SDP suffers defection as Akpoti-Uduaghan, supporters join PDP
