Press Statement
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) describes the over bloated N37
billion claimed to be for the renovation of the National Assembly
complex as an unpardonable rip-off plot and a last straw of the brazen
corruption that pervades the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC
administration.
The party says it is indefensible for the Buhari Presidency to propose a
whooping N37 billion for renovation work on the National Assembly
complex, which was built at the cost of N7 billion naira.
Our party insists that the over 500 percent padding of the original
construction cost is completely insupportable even with the prevailing
costs and exchange rate regime, a development that has already spurred
public outcry and apprehensions of plots to divert the fund for
political interests of certain APC leaders.
The over bloated renovation figure is therefore not only sacrilegious
but also further confirms that the APC-led administration is overtly
corrupt and only out to steal, drain and divert our national resources
for selfish purposes of certain individuals in the present
administration.
The party insists that such corruption is unacceptable in a nation
confronted by alarming economic downturn, extreme poverty, hunger,
decayed infrastructure and security challenges.
The PDP however notes that the N37 billion is embedded in the budget of
the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) as approved by
President Buhari, which leaves the burden of explanation on Mr.
President’s doorsteps.
The party therefore charges President Buhari to demonstrate the
integrity of his approval by immediately publishing a detailed breakdown
of the renovation project in line with his recent directives to
Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
President Buhari is challenged to immediately publish the details of the
individual renovation lines, amount and reason for each payment as well
as the contractors, beneficiaries and payment patterns for Nigerians to
see, if indeed the money has not been detailed for diversion.
The party charges the National Assembly to stand on the side of the
people by using its statutory legislative instruments to thoroughly
scrutinize the FCDA budget and eliminate all embedded padding designed
to fleece our nation.
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary
