Obaseki Slashes Deputy Governor’s Budgetary Allocation

Obaseki Slashes Deputy Governor’s Budgetary Allocation

The ongoing rift between Governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, appears to have escalated, with the revelation that only N345 million was allocated to the Office of the Deputy Governor in the 2024 Budget, in stark contrast to the N19 billion allocated to the Office of the State Governor.

The budget, signed into law on December 15, 2023, also indicated that the Office of the Secretary to the State Government received N8 billion, significantly more than the deputy governor’s office.

Further details from the budget revealed that the House of Assembly was allocated N13 billion, while the Office of the Head of Service received N968 million.

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Sources close to the House of Assembly suggest that the reduced allocation to the deputy governor’s office is linked to his aspiration to succeed Governor Obaseki.

Some lawmakers, perceived to be aligned with the deputy governor, reportedly opposed the decision to pass the budget in its presented form, describing it as an “unfair appropriation.” However, it was noted that they were outnumbered by other members who supported the budget as presented.

Though reports indicate that the budget has led to divisions among lawmakers, a principal member of the House of Assembly denies any such division.

Deputy Governor Shaibu had previously stated that his office had not received any allocation in the last six months due to tensions between him and the governor. He mentioned relying on goodwill and contributions from friends to manage his office and carry out other activities.

He said, “You know there is tension between the governor and me. And for six months, there has been no allocation to my office. So, whatever I am doing is contributions from friends and my goodwill; and I am still standing very strong.”

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