The Igbo-Biafra Nationalists, IBN, have urged the Federal Government and the Anambra State Government to reconsider their spending priorities to prevent reckless expenditures.
Edoziuno Chukwunonso, the IBN Spokesperson, disclosed this in a statement to newsmen in Owerri on Saturday.
“The Igbo-Biafra Nationalists Movement (IBN) and the Indigenous People of Igbo Nation for Self-determination (IPINS) stand united in expressing deep concerns over the insensitive and irresponsible style of governance exhibited by the federal government of Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which is regrettably mirrored by Anambra State. The reckless expenditures and misguided priorities of these administrations highlight a glaring disregard for the economic, social, and psychological development of the Igbo people, who are still grappling with the aftermath of the civil war and ongoing marginalization,” he said.
The IBN highlighted recent financial decisions by the Tinubu-led administration, pointing to the alarming expenditure patterns. “Recent revelations have exposed the Tinubu-led administration’s alarming expenditure patterns, with a staggering N244,654,350 spent on bulletproof tyres in a single day. According to documents sourced from govspend, these payments were made on May 21, 2024, just days before the President’s one-year anniversary in office. The sums of N200,583,390, N38,070,000, and N6,000,960 were respectively paid to companies for the supply of these tyres, despite the harsh economic conditions and widespread poverty afflicting the nation,” Chukwunonso noted.
“It is particularly troubling that such colossal amounts are allocated for non-essential items while Nigerians face severe economic hardships. This gross misallocation of funds underscores the administration’s disconnect from the pressing needs of the people, who require economic relief and sustainable development initiatives,” he added.
The IBN also criticized the Anambra State government’s budgetary allocations for the year 2024. “In a similar vein, Anambra State has demonstrated a concerning lack of prioritization in its budgetary allocations. The 2024 budget, titled ‘Changing Gears: The Transformation Agenda Begins’, includes a N68.306 million allocation for maintaining the state’s Lagos and Abuja liaison offices. In stark contrast, only N46.2 million has been allocated for the maintenance of 264 secondary schools across the state, amounting to a meagre N175,000 per school,” Chukwunonso explained.
“This disparity in funding is a clear indication of misplaced priorities. The development and maintenance of educational institutions should be at the forefront of any government’s agenda, especially in a region still recovering from the long-term impacts of conflict and marginalization. The Igbo people deserve leaders who will invest in their future, not squander resources on non-essential expenditures,” he said.
The IBN called for immediate action. “The Igbo-Biafra Nationalists Movement (IBN) and the Indigenous People of Igbo Nation for Self-determination (IPINS) call on both the federal and Anambra state governments to reevaluate their spending priorities and demonstrate a commitment to the genuine development of the Igbo people. It is imperative that funds are directed towards projects that have a tangible impact on the economic, social, and psychological well-being of the masses,” Chukwunonso concluded.
