By Nse Anthony-Uko,
ABUJA (Sundiata Post) – The Ministry of Budget and National Planning has refuted allegations that provision of N250 million was made in the 2017 for the gatehouse of the Vice President’s residence.
Media Adviser to the Minister, Mr Akpandem James, in a statement of Monday, said there was no such provision even in the 2016 Budget of the Federal Government nor is there any such provision in the 2017 draft budget currently being deliberated upon by the National Assembly.
The Ministry noted that details of the 2017 Budget proposals are now available on its website for the public to cross check whether the allegations are true or not.
“The attention of the Ministry of Budget and National Planning has been drawn to a series of misleading information circulating and being given prominence in the media regarding some purported provisions in the 2017 Budget proposals.
“This development has been going on for some time now, the latest being the false statement to the effect that a provision of N250 million has been made for the construction of a Gate-house in the Vice President’s quarters. That information is completely false and unfounded.
Members of the public are therefore encouraged to check these details before repeating allegations, which may be completely false.
“In view of the persistence of these allegations, the Director General of the Budget Office, Mr Ben Akabueze, will be addressing journalists on Thursday to give further corrections and explanations regarding the provisions of the 2017 Budget,” the Ministry stated.