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Uzodinma Approves Free Medical Service, Promotion For Imo Workers

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The Source
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Hope Uzodimma - Imo Civil Servant Promotion

Governor Hope Uzodinma has accepted to bear the cost of medical treatment of all workers in Imo State as part of government’s efforts to ensure that the civil servants are positioned to do their work well.

That is not all. The Governor has also assured the civil servants who are due for promotion to brace up for it as his government will soon unveil their names.

Besides, the shortfall in the number of teachers required by the Imo State Education Management Board (SEMB) will soon be a thing of the past as Governor Uzodimma has promised to engage more teachers.

The free Social Health Insurance Scheme for more than 47,000 Imo State civil servants, the plan to elevate those of them due for promotion among others, were the highpoints of a townhall meeting between Governor Uzodimma and top management staff of the Imo State workforce on Tuesday.

The meeting which was at the instance of the Governor involved  Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries and Directors of Ministries, Heads of Parastatals, Chairman of Imo State Internal Revenue Service and the General Manager of Imo Data Centre.

It was also an opportunity for the Governor, the heads of ministries, departments and agencies of government, to review complaints by workers about non payment of salary and how to foster a better working relationship between workers and political appointees in the interest of the State.

When the Governor was informed by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Success Prosper-Ohayagha that it will cost the State Government about N500million annually to pay for medical services for all verified workers in Imo State under the Social Health Insurance Scheme, Governor Uzodimma told him to consider it done, a promise that attracted instant thunderous jubilation at the Sam Mbakwe Executive Chambers, venue of the meeting.

The Governor had directed the Commissioner for Health and the General Manager of Imo State Social Health Insurance Scheme to immediately commence the process of getting all verified workers into the net for the free medical scheme.

By the free medical service, verified workers in Imo – both at the State and Local Government – are to get treated of any kind of ailment in the government or designated private hospitals, except those not listed in the Scheme.

Also, after taking contributions from top civil servants on why their promotion is delayed, Governor Uzodimma assured that the matter is already being attended to and that the list will soon be unveiled.

He said the economic realities of the moment and the need to bring back the dignity of labour in our civil servants make it compelling that their welfare is taken a notch higher.

Governor Uzodimma used the opportunity to brief the top civil servants on why some of their personnel have issues with their salary.

He obliged them with records indicating that some civil servants have continued to compromise the Data Centre payroll system, by earning pay either as retired, absconded, ghost or deceased workers.

Governor Uzodimma said “civil servants without discrepancies are paid regularly” and regretted that  records from Data Centre showed that 1,593 persons receive salary as retired, absconded, deceased or even ghost workers, with “446 of them receiving double salaries with different bank accounts.”

While he said details of all the pay rolled workers are with the State’s Accountant General, the Governor however said the Head of Service had been briefed to advise the government on what the Civil Service rule says regarding  workers whose activities as regards salary payment are criminal.

Nonetheless, Governor Uzodimma assured all the genuine workers that his government will continue to encourage them to be the best they want to be while serving the State.

He promised to attend to all genuine issues concerning their career growth and welfare and invited them to reciprocate the gesture by being more committed to their job.

Some of the workers who brought their case before the Governor got instant attention like a physically-challenged in the Ministry of Women Affairs and Vulnerable Groups, Mr. Pius Anyanwu who complained that his travel allowance of N5million to Japan and Indonesia years back has not been paid despite repeated appeals.

After listening to his pathetic tale Governor Uzodimma told him: “Don’t worry. I  am going to pay you.”

The Head of Service, Barr. Raymond Ucheoma in his vote of thanks commended Governor Uzodimma for his heart of human kindness and untiring support to the workers over their welfare, noting that they have never had it so good in their career pursuit in the State as civil servants.

He described the free medical service as “historic landmark” that cannot be forgotten.

OPINION: Peter Obi Is Coming

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The Source
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Peter Obi

By Chuks Ucheagu

Before the electioneering season, Peter Obi had been underestimated in the presidential race and called a loser. The establishment, made up of ruthless political class who do not want their boat of milking Nigeria and its future dry to be rocked by Peter the Rock, taunted him. They jeered that he had no structure. The old and tired politicians averred he would come distant third. Then they and their minions mocked that he would only win on social media and end up a mere social media president.

The legacy politicians and their cronies were still living in denial when the gale of ObiDatti Movement started sweeping through the land stirring a tsunami – ably led by the youths whose popular reality show, BBNaija, for the first time did not distract or deter. They are shocked to their bone marrows at the phenomenal acceptability of Obi’s candidacy and the demand for his presidency by Nigerians across board. Because no political movement had been this massive, spontaneous, organic and revolutionary in our recorded political experience.

Denied of sleep, they raised up a fiendish army of media trolls headed by ignoble political influencers to discredit Obi by all means possible. But their vitriolic attacks on Obi are like rain on the impregnable feathers of the eagle which when shook off radiates its beauty and enhances its strength. The more they push him down, the more Obi’s popularity keeps soaring higher to their utmost chagrin.

Peter Obi is leading other candidates in the public polls conducted late September by ANAP Foundation and We2Geda Foundation. Like sensational icing on the cake few days later, Bloomberg gave Obi a clear lead with over 70% ahead of the 2023 presidential elections. It’s as if, against all odds, heaven and earth direct the breeze to Obi’s sail to sweet victory.

Then followed by the teeming sea of heads across the country. The organic rallies with its rainbow colours splash excitements across over 40 cities in the country like oil on canvass – resonating hope and rekindling belief in Nigeria. The downcast masses now wake up to a new dawn because, with Peter Obi on the driving seat, Nigeria can be saved from the precipice about to tip over by rapacious leaders on corridors of power.

Not going down without a fight, these politicians within the establishment are introducing malicious trajectory to gaslight the voting public by hatefully calling out an ethnic nation of over 50 million people and brand them IPOB, because Peter Obi is Igbo. Meanwhile, other candidates from other major ethnic groups are not labelled as Boko Haram, ISWAP, marauding Herdsmen or OPC.

The Terrorists and bandits are running their governments unhindered in some local governments in about 3 States and collecting taxes. They sojourn in ungoverned areas in the country from where they make incursions into governed territories with the attendant tears, sorrow and blood. Therefore, categorizing Igbo and making them cynosure of the general insecurity in the country leave a sour taste in the mouth and shows how far and desperate these undesirable elements can go to stay in power by fuelling ethnic division and hatred.

Peter Obi is the consciousness of Nigerians. His candidacy is generally accepted throughout the length and breadth of the country by Nigerians of every tribe, creed and tongue, because they trust him better than the corrupt politicians. The OBIdient Movement is a political revolution in which the adherents want to take back their country Nigeria and take their destiny in their hands. They are telling the locusts that power is their hands and they want to use it now.

There was Niger Delta Militants agitating for resource control when Yar’adua was President. They were bombing the economic life wire of the country and kidnapping oil workers, thus making it impossible for Nigeria to produce its quota of oil for export and the resultant dwindling of oil revenue. Jonathan a Niger deltan was never branded a militant; rather he became a President and did better than the current tenant in Aso Villa and his lackeys who mouth “one Nigeria” but not in their deeds.

When Peter Obi was Atiku’s Vice Presidential Candidate in 2019, he was not a member of IPOB. He is IPOB now because he wants to be – and will be – President and the hawks are not comfortable with that. They would rather have him play the second fiddle; where they would expect him to clean up the mess of their clueless, incompetent and corrupt misgovernment.

Need I remind them that Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa is Igbo too? But he’s not under their radar because he’s coming to play a second fiddle. (There are other presidential candidates of Igbo extraction from other political parties.) They know the truth. They know that the problem is not IGBO but them. The unpatriotic elements have been telling the age-long lie that Igbo is the problem because of envy and unfounded hatred for a resourceful and resilient people. And right now they have refurbished the lie with Obi’s name on it – simply to demarket him.

The selfish and greedy political cabal should know that society is dynamic and change is inevitable and constant. The masses are tired of Nigeria not working and want to oversee it by appointing their manager, Peter Obi, to run the affairs of the country. Peter Obi will be the next President of Nigeria because it is an idea its time has come. Therefore, no amount of maligning and slandering by some despicable humans will stymie it.

Even his traducers will vote for him too, I chuckle, because they know deep within them that they want to liberate themselves from the clutches of their soon coming nemesis. At last, they will eat the humble pie. I believe that they have seen the light, because Peter Obi is coming. INEC should be constantly investigated and interrogated to ensure that the technology they set up for biometric accreditation and electronic transmission of results is foolproof.

Thankfully, those power-drunk and bigoted humans have one vote each, like you and me. Fortunately, voters in the country, north and south, Christians and Muslims, will not be fooled again by their deception and subterfuge, even when they have been told to discredit Peter Obi by labelling him IPOB, Biafran and religious bigot, and profiling him to whip up hateful sentiments that will result in not voting him.

Peter Obi in this election and the next political dispensation is running as a Nigerian. Obi is a symbol of liberty for the poor and hungry Nigerians, the unemployed and impoverished youths and not so young, the marginalized, the downtrodden, the youths out of school due to ASUU perennial strikes and those who truly want Nigeria to work and yearning to be free. It’s the people of Nigeria taking back their country through him.

Igbo people did not propel him first; in fact many Igbo political leaders, especially in PDP and APC are working against him. The Afenifere, PANDEF, Middle Belt Forum, Muslims, Christians, Northerners, Southerners and powerful armies of the youth fully supporting Obi’s Presidency are not Igbo. In short, the movement is beyond him already. He must fulfill his destiny so that the destiny of Nigeria will manifest through him.

I have heard those manipulators say in this part of the country, “Why go for the second if we have the first?” But unfortunately the time for “the first” is long gone and no one can turn back the hand of time. The first is expired like his contemporaries. It is foolishness to field expired footballers for the sake of the game, when we have young, vibrant and skilled players to assure us victory. Therefore, for a better Nigeria, Peter Obi is the best man for the job. He is coming to be the President of Nigeria, by Nigerians and for Nigerians.

Chuks Ucheagu, a political analyst and social commentator, wrote from Abuja [email protected]

Man, Who Stole Church Money Hands Over Self To Police

By
Ayodele Oni
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Man Who Stole Church Money

By Ayodele Oni

A Middle aged man, from Iropora Ekiti, who allegedly stole church offering, amounting to over N600,000 at a religious camp, in Ikeji Arakeji area of Osun state, said he was under spell and sought the wrath of God on those he claimed were behind his travail.

Speaking while being paraded, in Ado, Ekiti state capital, along with 19 other suspects, by the police for stealing, the man (names withheld) explained that he couldn’t have found himself in such a situation if not that he was under a spell.

He stated that this made him to report himself to the police at a check point insisting that he was not arrested, before being brought to Ado Ekiti.

“I had passed the police check point after identifying myself as a security personnel, but my conscience would not allow me rest, reason why I had to report myself to the police.”

Earlier the, Ekiti State Police Public Relations officer, Sunday Abutu, had paraded the suspects alongside nineteen others for different crimes, ranging from kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, attempted murder, burglary and conspiracy.

Abutu explained that the suspects, who were arrested at different locations, were among those terrorizing Ikere and other areas of the State.

The PPRO added that the arrests were made possible through the efforts of men of the Command and credible intelligence from members of the public.

He added that the suspects would be charged to court after completion of necessary investigations and arrest of fleeing ones.

Items recovered from the suspects included two big power generating sets, shoes, clothes and money.

Police Service Commission Dismisses Seven Police Officers

By
Ayodele Oni
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Police Service Commission

By Ayodele Oni

The Police Service Commission, (PSC) has approved the dismissal of seven senior police officers for gross misconduct.

PSC also approved the reduction in the ranks of 10 other officers.

The decisions were taken at the ongoing 15th Plenary of the Commission, in Abuja, which is expected to end on Thursday.

The dismissed Officers are one Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), a Superintendent of Police (SP) and five Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASP).

Their names were however not mentioned.

A statement on Tuesday by the PSC Head, Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, said a Superintendent of Police (SP) was also retired in the public interest.

The Commission’s Plenary Meeting presided over by Justice Clara Bata Ogunbiyi, JSC (rtd) considered all the Pending Disciplinary Matters (PDM) before the Commission totalling 47 and treated some appeals from dismissed Police Officers.

The Commission reduced the ranks of one Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) to Superintendent of Police (SP), three Superintendents of Police (SP) to Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSP), and two Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSP) to Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASP).

The Commission further reduced the ranks of four Assistant Superintendents of Police to Inspectors.

According to the statement, “Ten senior Police Officers, including an Assistant Commissioner, a Chief Superintendent, a Superintendent and two Deputy Superintendents were given the punishment of Severe reprimand.

“Five Assistant Superintendents were also awarded the punishment of severe reprimand.

“Thirteen Officers received the punishment of reprimand; two are to receive letters of warning while four officers were exonerated.”

Two New Parallel Bodies Emerge As Federal Government Breaks ASUU

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ngige Presents Certificate to New ASUU

By Ayodele Oni

In its desperate bid to ensure that academic activities resume in Universities, the Federal Government has, finally, split the Academic Staff Union of Universities, (ASUU). It has created two new bodies.

The two new unions, Congress of Nigeria University Academics (CONUA), has lecturers in Universities, both public and private, as members, while the Nigeria Association of Medical and Dental Lecturers in Academics (NAMDA) gets its membership from Teaching Hospitals.

Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, presented certificates of registration to the two Unions in Abuja on Tuesday.

While defending the decision of the Federal Government, Ngige explained that it was to ensure harmonious industrial relations system in the  country.

“The Ministry has decided to approve the registration of two more Trade Unions in the Nigerian University Academic Sub Sector.

“The University Sub-Sector is a major development plank of any Nation’s Socio Economic growth. Knowledge they say is Power.

“In the last eight months, the classrooms in the nation’s Public Universities have been shut and students kept at home by the strike action embarked upon by the Academic staff Union of Nigeria Universities (ASUU).

“This ugly situation has persisted despite series of engagements to resolve the trade dispute by the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Education.

“In line with the provisions of the Trade Disputes Act, CAP. TS, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, this Strike was apprehended & Conciliations were done in this Ministry on February 22, 2022, and March 1, 2022.

“However, all efforts at conciliation failed resulting in the transmission of the trade dispute to the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) for adjudication in line with the statutory trade dispute resolution processes.

“At the NICN, an Interlocutory Injunction Order was obtained asking the Union to get back to work while the substantive suit is being heard; an order ASUU leadership and members refused to obey.

“Interestingly, a lot of university teachers in the public universities had indicated their willingness to get back to work, while negotiations continue but were obstructed by ASUU officials, while the VCs looked on helplessly.

“Also it is worthy to note that some Medical Doctors who are teachers in the various Medical Schools/College of Medicine had carried on with teaching in the Universities of Maiduguri, Bauchi, and Sokoto and had graduated their new Doctors in the midst of the ASUU strike.

“These groups of Lecturers had since been applying to have their own Academic Associations registered as trade Unions to organize their members because they do not share in the models, objectives, modus operandi, mission and vision of ASUU.

“They cite that under Section 40 of the Constitution they have a right to Freedom of Association with people sharing same academic vision and mission like minds.

PDP Crisis: Arewa Youths Warn Gana Over Romance With Wike

By
Ayodele Oni
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Jerry Gana

By Ayodele Oni

Some Concerned Citizens, who are mainly youths in collaboration with Arewa Youths Council (AYC) Niger State chapter, have said that continued romance by a member of the Board of Trustee (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prof. Jerry Gana and Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, will not be tolerated.

The youths, in a letter signed by the Coordinator of the group, Alfa Nma,  threatened to scuttle the 2023 House of Representatives ambition of Prof Gana’s son, if he (Gana) does not distance himself from  Wike.

Joshua, son of Prof Jerry Gana, is currently the PDP Candidate for Lavun/Mokwa/Edati Federal Constituency in the 2023 election.

Rivers state Governor Nyesome Wike, is leading campaign to oust the chairman of the PDP, Iyorcha Ayu, as a pre condition to back the presidential ambition of the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

The letter by the Group was addressed to Joshua, Prof. Gana’s son.

It reads: “We the members of concern citizen of our lovely state, wish to notify and inform you about the activities of your father Professor Jerry Gana.

“It is over the barbaric and unpalatable move towards our great party the People Democratic Party (PDP) and its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, which is capable of affecting  our chances in the 2023 general election.

“The activities of Professor Gana has become worrisome to many of our supporters within the state. We implore you to call your father to order before it is too late.

“Failure to do that within 24 hours, we all have no other option than to mobilize all our support groups in Niger State to work against your ambition.”

Abba Kyari: Uzodinma Distances Self, Believes In Rule Of Law

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The Source
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Hope Uzodimma

By Charles Igbo

Imo State Government has distanced itself from a trending fake news in the social media purporting Gov Hope Uzodimma calling on Igbo youths to stand in solidarity behind embattled Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Abba Kyari.

It described the fake news as lame, incoherent and illogical propaganda concocted by the lucifer infested social media outfit of a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Governor of the State to shoot down the popularity of the Governor.

A statement by the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon Declan Emelumba, noted that the former Governor “who is smarting from the backlash of his saboteur comments against Ndigbo wants to divert attention from his irredeemably damaged image with the fake Abba Kyari story”

Emelumba said the fake news was remiscent of a story planted by the same PDP people that Uzodimma wanted to rename Imo State University after the late Chief of staff to the president, Alhaji Abba Kyari.

Incidentally, that fake story on the renaming of Imo State University, was given flesh and propagated by two former media managers of the PDP, who have since jumped ship and now working for, and supporting fully, Governor Uzodinma.

The Commissioner said Uzodinma whose administration was a product of rule of law could not have declared Abba Kyari innocent of the charges against him when that job belongs exclusively to the judiciary.

According to him, the poorly written story exposed the desperation of its amateur authors because it failed to take cognizance of the fact Uzodimma is an unrepentant respecter of the rule of law and the integrity and independence of the judiciary

“It is also ridiculous to impute that the governor was budgeting N10b for the release of Abba Kyari when everyone knows how prudent and accountable His Excellency is with the resources of the state”, Emelumba said.

The Commissioner noted that the Government will not begrudge the former governor and the few of his remaining tepid supporters for being envious of the landmark achievements of the Uzodimma administration, such as the signature projects commissioned recently by President Muhammadu Buhari and the on going construction of the Owerri, Mbaise Umuahia road ,adding that “resorting to cheap and childish blackmail based on absolute falsehood , such as the Abba kyari concoction, only ridicule them the  more before the public”.

While calling on the public to disregard the fake news, Emelumba enjoined journalists to be wary of what they read in the social media, particularly such fake stories as the Abba kyari one which failed every integrity test of credible reportage.

He restated the unassailable belief of Uzodimma in the rule of law irrespective of who is involved.

DCP Kyari, a former trusted, popular crime burster, is ironically cooling his feet at the Kuje Prisons over alleged involvement in criminal activities pertaining to drug running. He is, also, wanted in the United States of America for his alleged untidy dealings with international internet fraudster, Hushpuppi.

In Nigeria, he is being prosecuted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.

Kyari has since been suspended by an embarrassed Police leadership.

2023: Obi Rolls Out Agenda To Reduce Governance Cost

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Peter Obi

By Akinwale Kasali

Labour Party, LP, Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, has rolled out his agenda plans if, and when he becomes Nigeria’s President in 2023.

Obi disclosed that if he becomes the President of Nigeria in 2023, he would drastically reduce the cost of governance.

The former Anambra State Governor made this remarks in Michigan, United State of America, while speaking on the theme, ‘Nigeria Diaspora and Capacity Building’, early Tuesday morning.

This was contained in a statement by the Obi-Datti Media office. He said the reduction in cost of governance will help reduce the nation’s debt and tackle corruption.

“We shall pursue a drastic reduction in cost of governance and corruption; Improve ease of doing business to attract FDI to jumpstart industrialization and when borrowing is unavoidable, it will be strictly for regenerative purposes and production,” Obi said.

Speaking on power, he said, “Even though I am aware that power has been moved from exclusive list to the concurrent list, we will go beyond it; we will aggressively support the private sector to invest in the power chain through a multifaceted approach particularly the transmission infrastructure.

“As we all know, two components of the power sector (generation and distribution) have been privatized and liberalised leaving the most critical component (transmission) in the hands of government which is causing inefficiency and darkness.

“We will, therefore, vigorously pursue the liberalization of the transmission infrastructure in addition to a robust power mix- embedded power and renewable energy.”

He appreciated the youths and encouraged them to be more resilient.

He said, “The journey to rescue Nigeria could not have gained momentum without the proactive role of our youth. I salute them.

“The race is far from over; the campaigning has only just started. Yet I am confident that given their resilience, they will stay the course.”

FG Seeks N30b From Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Drags Them Court

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Facebook Logo

By Akinwale Kasali

The Federal Government has sued Meta Platforms Incorporated, the owners of Social Media Platforms,  Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp and its agent, AT3 Resources Limited at a Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division.

The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, ARCON, the  regulatory body for the advertising ecosystem is seeking a declaration, among other things, that the continued publication and exposure of various advertisements directed at the Nigerian market through Facebook and Instagram platforms by Meta Platforms Incorporated without ensuring the same is vetted and approved before exposure is illegal, unlawful and a violation of the extant Advertising Law in Nigeria.

The regulatory body in a statement on Tuesday, October 4th, 2022, stated that Meta Platforms Incorporated’s continued  exposure of unvetted adverts had also led to loss of revenue to the Federal Government.

ARCON is, therefore, seeking the sum of N30bn in sanction for the violation of the advertising laws and for loss of revenue as a result of Meta Incorporated’s continued exposure of unapproved adverts on its platforms.

The statement reads in part:

“ARCON reiterates that it would not permit unethical and irresponsible advertising on the Nigeria’s advertising space.”

According to ARCON, the Council is not regulating the online media space. Rather, its focus is on advertising and marketing communications on the online platforms in line with its establishment Act.

Breaking: Buhari To Present N20trn Budget To NASS This Week

By
James Orji
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Buhari 2021 Budget Presentation

Except for any last-minute change, President Muhammadu Buhari will on Friday present the N19.76 trillion 2023 Budget to the National Assembly in Abuja.

The presentation will take place 10am at the temporary chamber of House of Representatives, according to information from presidency sources.

Key highlights of the financial estimates to be presented to the joint session of the National Assembly, it was learned include the over N11 trillion loan proposal by the Buhari administration to fund the budget deficit.

President Buhari will request that the Assembly approve N19.76 trillion as 2023 Budget, details from the Ministry of Finance suggest.

Speaking earlier on the budget proposal, the minister of Finance Zainab Ahmed said, the “Federal Government’s 2023 aggregate expenditure is estimated at N19.76 trillion (inclusive of GOEs). In this scenario, the budget deficit is projected to be N11.30 trillion in 2023, up from N7.35 trillion in 2022.

“This represents 5.01 percent of the estimated GDP, above the three percent threshold stipulated in the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007,” the minister noted.

More details later…………

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