The Igbo-Biafra Nationalists on Saturday voiced strong criticism against both the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Anambra State Government for what they describe as reckless spending and misguided priorities.
This call for a reassessment of budgetary allocations was articulated in a statement delivered by IBN Spokesperson, Edoziuno Chukwunonso, to journalists in Owerri.
The IBN’s criticism comes against the backdrop of historical and ongoing issues faced by the Igbo people. The region continues to deal with the repercussions of the Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafra War, which ended over five decades ago but left a legacy of economic and social challenges. The IBN argues that these historical injustices are compounded by current governance failures that neglect the needs of the Igbo populace.
In his statement, Chukwunonso expressed deep concerns over what he described as “the insensitive and irresponsible style of governance” exhibited by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and mirrored at the state level by Anambra Governor Charles Soludo. He highlighted the administration’s reckless spending habits, which he believes exacerbate the economic and social struggles of the Igbo people.
Chukwunonso said: “The Igbo-Biafra Nationalists Movement and the Indigenous People of Igbo Nation for Self-determination stand united in expressing deep concerns over the insensitive and irresponsible style of governance exhibited by the federal government of Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which is regrettably mirrored by Anambra State. The reckless expenditures and misguided priorities of these administrations highlight a glaring disregard for the economic, social, and psychological development of the Igbo people, who are still grappling with the aftermath of the civil war and ongoing marginalization.”
He further criticized the federal administration’s spending patterns, citing a recent expenditure of N244,654,350 on bulletproof tyres in a single day, as revealed by documents sourced from Govspend. According to the records, this expenditure occurred on May 21, 2024, just before the President’s one-year anniversary in office. Chukwunonso pointed out that these funds were allocated to purchase bulletproof tyres from various companies, including payments of N200,583,390, N38,070,000, and N6,000,960. He noted that such extravagant spending is particularly troubling given the widespread economic hardships and poverty experienced by Nigerians.
“It is particularly troubling that such colossal amounts are allocated for non-essential items while Nigerians face severe economic hardships. This gross misallocation of funds underscores the administration’s disconnect from the pressing needs of the people, who require economic relief and sustainable development initiatives,” Chukwunonso stated.
In addition to federal spending concerns, the IBN also criticized Anambra State’s budgetary priorities. They pointed to the 2024 state budget, titled “Changing Gears: The Transformation Agenda Begins,” which allocates N68.306 million for maintaining the state’s Lagos and Abuja liaison offices. In stark contrast, only N46.2 million is set aside for the maintenance of 264 secondary schools across the state, translating to a mere N175,000 per school.
“This disparity in funding is a clear indication of misplaced priorities. The development and maintenance of educational institutions should be at the forefront of any government’s agenda, especially in a region still recovering from the long-term impacts of conflict and marginalization. The Igbo people deserve leaders who will invest in their future, not squander resources on non-essential expenditures,” he emphasized.
In conclusion, the IBN and IPINS are calling on both the federal and Anambra state governments to reassess their spending priorities. They urge that funds be directed towards projects that will have a meaningful impact on the economic, social, and psychological well-being of the Igbo people.
“The Igbo-Biafra Nationalists Movement and the Indigenous People of Igbo Nation for Self-determination call on both the federal and Anambra state governments to reevaluate their spending priorities and demonstrate a commitment to the genuine development of the Igbo people. It is imperative that funds are directed towards projects that have a tangible impact on the economic, social, and psychological well-being of the masses,” Chukwunonso concluded.
