By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Bauchi State Chapter has described as a shameful display of mismanagement of public funds and greed, plans by Bauchi State Government and the State House of Assembly to spend a whooping sum of N3.4b on fueling of vehicles and generators as well as travels in the 2025 fiscal year.
The PRP in a statement by Wada Abdullahi, State Secretary, made available to Journalists in Bauchi on Friday stated that it is appalled and disgusted by the recently unveiled budget plans of the Bauchi State Government and the State House of Assembly, which have revealed a blatant disregard for the needs and welfare of the citizens they are meant to serve.
According to the PRP, “It is time to shine a light on the disturbing priorities of those in power and to hold them accountable for their greed and irresponsibility amidst growing economic struggles faced by the people of Bauchi State.”
The party explained that, “First, we take a hard look at the N1billion earmarked for fuelling vehicles and generators for the Government House. Half of this staggering amount, N500 million, is set aside for fuelling motor vehicles, while a parallel N500 million is allocated for fuelling generators.
“This total of N1 billion not only highlights the extravagant lifestyles of our leaders but paints a clear picture of their mismanagement of state resources. While families in Bauchi struggle to make ends meet, our government seems more focused on extravagance than on the pressing needs of its citizens,”The party opined.
It added that,”As if that were not enough, we are faced with the shocking revelation that the State House of Assembly plans to squander an additional N1.4 billion on travel expenses.”
The party stressed that, “This begs the question: how many life-changing healthcare facilities and schools could be built with such a monstrous amount? Instead, our leaders have prioritized their whims over the significant issues plaguing our communities—issues that require urgent attention and funding.”
It added that,”To add insult to injury, the office of the Bauchi State Secretary to State Government is budgeting another N1billion for international travels. While our hospitals lack basic medical equipment, our schools go underfunded, and our roads remain in disrepair, the government has decided that jaunts abroad are far more important than addressing the pressing issues facing our communities. This serves as a reminder that those in power are more concerned with self-aggrandizement than with serving the interests of their constituents.”
The PRP therefore takes the opportunity to remind the State Governor, Sen Bala Mohammed and members of the Bauchi State House of Assembly that the people of Bauchi are watching.
“We call on them to cease this treacherous path of misappropriation and mismanagement of public funds. The people of Bauchi deserve leaders who serve their best interests, not those who indulge in wasteful spending while turning a blind eye to the pressing needs of our state,” It added.
The PRP called on the citizens of Bauchi State to rise against the culture of impunity and demand better from their elected officials stressing,”We must unite in our quest for good governance, and an end to the systematic looting of our resources.”
It declared that, “The time has come for us to reclaim our state from the hands of those who would see it perish under their greed. In solidarity for a better Bauchi State.”