The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified its call for a National Assembly investigation into the alleged approval of N500 million, purportedly by President Bola Tinubu, for the inauguration of a 37-man Tripartite Committee on the New National Minimum Wage.
Amidst controversy sparked by a leaked memo, which revealed the alleged approval by President Tinubu, the PDP has vehemently criticized what it perceives as financial recklessness at the highest levels of government. According to a statement by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the approval of such a substantial sum for what the party deems a routine government activity is tantamount to profligacy and imprudence.
Ologunagba described the alleged approval as “the height of profligacy, imprudence, and financial recklessness,” further asserting the party’s stance that the Tinubu-led government is mired in corruption. He emphasized that at a time of widespread food shortages and economic hardship, spending such a significant amount on committee inauguration is provocative and unpardonable.
In a scathing critique, the statement highlighted revelations that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation allegedly requested a staggering sum of N1.8 billion for the event, later scaled down to N1 billion, with President Tinubu purportedly directing the SGF to commence with N500 million.
However, in response to the PDP’s claims, the Presidency has countered, calling for an investigation into the civil service structure to identify and eliminate what it terms “moles” loyal to the main opposition party. The Presidency has accused these individuals of leaking classified documents, shifting focus from the substance of the allegations to internal governmental affairs.
As the controversy unfolds, calls for accountability and transparency resonate, with stakeholders eagerly awaiting the outcome of any potential investigations into the alleged financial misconduct.
