In a recent statement, former Vice President and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the last general election, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar Wazirin Adamawa, took to his official X handle (formerly known as Twitter) to express his views on government expenditure. He lauded the members of the House of Representatives for their sacrifices but emphasized that more substantial measures are needed to curb wastage in government spending.
Atiku remarked, “The sacrifice of members of the House of Representatives is commendable. But it is a drop in the ocean. The demons are in the allowances and not the salaries of lawmakers and government officials in general. Whatever happened to the much-trumpeted implementation of the Oronsaye Report?”
He pointed out the unchecked proliferation of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), which has significantly escalated government expenses. “Recently, the ballooning of MDAs with the attendant cost implications has been observed. There’s too much wastage and prioritization of non-essential expenditures,” he stated.
Atiku further highlighted the need for a holistic approach to reduce government spending. “What is desirable is an across-the-board cut in expenses. We can no longer afford to borrow money to fund continued irresponsibility in government,” he declared.
The former vice president’s call to action underscores the urgency of addressing the fiscal irresponsibility that plagues various sectors of the government. His reference to the Oronsaye Report, a document advocating for the streamlining of government agencies to reduce redundancy and wastage, reiterates the need for its long-overdue implementation.
Atiku’s statement has sparked widespread discussion, with many Nigerians echoing his sentiments and urging the government to take decisive steps toward achieving a more efficient and accountable system. The message is clear: without substantial reforms, the country’s economic stability remains at risk.
PIONEER NEWS 