In a scathing critique of the recently passed 2024 budget, the Labour Party (LP) has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu, alleging that the budget disproportionately caters to the luxuries of political elites while neglecting the welfare and security of ordinary Nigerians.
In a New Year message delivered by the National Publicity Secretary of the LP, Obiora Ifoh, on Sunday, the opposition party emphasized that the budget reflects a concerning disregard for the well-being of the majority. Ifoh urged Nigerians to scrutinize the budgetary provisions and allocations, claiming that the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration led by President Tinubu has shown a blatant disregard for the security and welfare of the citizens.
“While we hope for success in 2024, we implore Nigerians to closely examine the allocations in the 2024 budget. President Bola Tinubu’s APC administration has unmistakably demonstrated a lack of concern for the security and welfare of Nigerians,” the statement read.
Ifoh expressed particular dismay over allocations such as N3bn for the Senate Car Park, N1bn for Constitution Review, N78.62bn for the House of Representatives, N36.727bn for the National Assembly Office, and N4bn for the National Assembly Recreation Centre. He underscored the misplaced priorities and insensitivity of the government, pointing out that these funds could be better utilized to address pressing issues affecting ordinary citizens.
Highlighting the concerns raised by the LP’s presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, during the 2023 elections, Ifoh reiterated the party’s stance against the significant sums allocated for the renovation of the President and Vice President’s Offices and extravagant trips, amounting to N35.961bn.
“While Nigerians continue to endure the scourge of banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and various criminal activities, the administration remains fixated on enhancing the comfort of elected officials. The focus should be on serving and improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians,” Ifoh added.
