The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in Bauchi State has condemned what it described as extravagant spending by the office of the Secretary to the State Government and demanded accountability.
In a statement issued on Monday by its Publicity Secretary in the state, Abdulazeez Haruna, the party expressed concern that the SSG’s office spent a whopping N29.6 billion in only six months.
The party also asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to undertake a thorough investigation into the “scandalous” expenditure.
The statement read: “The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Bauchi State Chapter, is appalled and outraged by the staggering sum of ₦29,627,828,398.53 (twenty-nine billion six hundred and twenty-seven million, eight hundred and twenty thousand, three hundred and ninety-eight naira and fifty-three kobo) allegedly spent as overhead expenditure by the Office of the Secretary to the Bauchi State Government (SSG) in just six months.
“This outrageous expenditure, as reported by WikkiTimes, is a slap in the face of the good people of Bauchi State, who are struggling to make ends meet amid economic hardship. It is unacceptable that the SSG’s office would squander such an astronomical amount of public funds on frivolous expenses, while the people of Bauchi State are crying out for basic amenities and services.
“The PRP calls on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to launch a thorough investigation into this scandalous expenditure.
“We need to know what constitutes this massive overhead expenditure and who are the beneficiaries of this largesse. We also demand that those found guilty of corruption be brought to justice.
“The PRP believes that this kind of reckless spending is a clear indication of a lack of accountability and transparency in the government. We call on Governor Bala Mohammed to take immediate action to curb this trend of profligacy. The people of Bauchi State deserve better than this level of incompetence and mismanagement.
“We urge all citizens to join us in demanding accountability and transparency from our government. We will not rest until those responsible for this scandal are held accountable and the people of Bauchi State are given a government that truly serves their interests.”