The Peoples Democratic Party Gombe State Chapter, on Thursday, berated Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, over the approval of N43.130 billion governor’s residence, High Court and House of Assembly complexes.
According to a press statement signed by its acting Publicity Secretary Abdulrahman Buba, he described the approval as extravagant.
Recall that Commissioner for Works, Housing, and Transport Usman Kalamu, during the post council meeting briefing told journalists that work would commence in earnest on the three arm zone.
The statement partly read, “The Peoples Democratic Party castigates Gombe State Government’s extravagant expenditure, elevating opulence above education and development, neglecting transparency and accountability.
“The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State vehemently condemns the approval of a staggering sum of N43.130 billion by the Gombe State Executive Council for the construction of a new ultra-modern governor’s residence, High Court, and House of Assembly complexes, amidst growing hardship faced by the people of Gombe State.”
Reminding the state of its comments on paucity of resources to execute projects, Buba said, “While the All Progressives Congress government in Gombe State claims that there is no money available to fund critical institutions such as the University of Science and Technology in Kumo and address pressing needs in education, the approval of such exorbitant funds for luxury projects raises serious concern about the priorities of the government. It is unfortunate while the State Government claimed to declare state of emergency on education, after five years the recently released WAEC result shows Gombe State is 34th out of 36 States and the FCT. In spite of this embarrassing performance in the educational sector the government is spending a woofing sum of N43.130 billion on project that have no bearing on the future of our children.”
The party decried the administration’s lack of performance, stressing that “PDP is deeply worried by the misplaced priorities of the APC government in Gombe State, which seems more focused on lavish projects for the benefit of a few, rather than addressing the pressing needs of the populace, including educational development and infrastructure improvements.”
PDP also emphatised with residents of the state over the current hardship, noting that its would continue to hold the government to account.
“At a time when the people of Gombe State are facing economic challenges and struggling to access basic amenities, it is unacceptable that such a huge sum of public funds is being allocated to projects that do not directly benefit majority of the population.
“The PDP calls on the Gombe State government to reconsider its decision and prioritise the welfare and well-being of the people by investing in projects that will have a meaningful impact on the lives of the citizens of Gombe State.
“We urge the government to be transparent and accountable in its allocation of public funds and ensure that resources are directed towards initiatives that will promote the overall development and prosperity of Gombe State and its people.
“The PDP remains committed to holding the government accountable and advocating for policies that prioritise the needs of the people above all else,” Buba added.
