The Federal Government has rubbished the claim by Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, that the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan spent N64bn on Independence Day celebrations between 2011 and 2015.
El-Rufai, in a Facebook post on October 1, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for allegedly budgeting N70m for 2015 Independence Day anniversary celebration.
He alleged that in 2010, Jonathan spent N10bn for Nigeria’s golden jubilee celebration.
El-Rufai further noted: “This is the APC/PMB change we voted for. Independence anniversary expenditure for the past five years: 2011 – N13bn; 2012 -N15bn; 2013 – N14bn; 2014 – N22bn and 2015 – N70m coming from present administration.”
But the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, in response to a Freedom of Information request by BudgIT Nigeria, explained that the Jonathan administration spent a .total of N2.03bn for 2010-2014 anniversary celebrations
In the letter titled ‘Independence Day celebration/centenary actual expenditure from 2010 to 2015,’ the Director, Finance and Accounts, in the Permanent Secretary’s office, Mohammed Garba, said, “With reference to your letter dated 2nd October, 2015 on the above subject matter, it is stated as follows:
“2010 (Golden Jubilee) – N1.7bn; 2011 (No release of funds); 2012 (53rd Independence Anniversary) – N107,600,000; 2013 (53rd Independence Anniversary) – N45,000,000; 2014 (54th Independence Anniversary) – N180,000,000; 2015 (55th Independence Anniversary) – N70,000,000).
“Please note that in 2013, Mr President approved the sum of N223,800,000 for the 53rd Independence Celebration, only N45,000,000 was released to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. The sum of N138,138,000 was released for centenary honours awards.”
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