Impoverished residents of Akwa Ibom state have betrayed the state government and the lawmakers for what they consider as selfish, insensitive and reprehensible move of allocating a whooping #1B to the state’s lawmakers.
Some of the concerned or angry residents labelled their lawmakers ‘thiefs’. Claiming they live extravagantly as the detrimental of the ordinary people.
The Akwa Ibom State Government’s 2025 budget has raised eyebrows, with some allocations sparking concerns about priorities.
The Akwa Ibom State Government has announced a budget allocation of N1 billion for the purchase of brand new vehicles for lawmakers, even as the state grapples with severe water shortages that have left many residents in distress.
This decision has sparked outrage and concern among citizens who are questioning the priorities of their leaders in light of pressing community needs.In the same budgetary plan, a modest N100 million has been earmarked for the Rural Water Agency, a sum that many believe is insufficient to address the escalating water crisis affecting numerous communities across the state.
Residents have reported dire conditions, with some having to rely on contaminated water sources, which poses significant health risks.
For instance, N1 billion is earmarked for vehicles for 26 lawmakers, while the Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Development didn’t receive any capital expenditure allocation .
.Here are some key budget allocations:- *Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation*
N1.2 billion for capital expenditure, with N100 million specifically for the Akwa Ibom State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency.-
*State Sports Ministry N800 million for capital expenditure..
State Secondary Education Board*: N100 million for capital expenditure.
Technical Schools Board: N200 million for capital expenditure.
*Akwa Ibom Water Company Limited*: N80 million.
These allocations are particularly striking given the state’s pressing needs.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, 70% of households in Akwa Ibom lack access to sanitary facilities, and 64% lack access to clean drinking water.
The state has also recently experienced a cholera outbreak, resulting in loss of lives.
The budget’s focus on vehicle purchases for lawmakers has sparked concerns about the government’s priorities and management of funds.
**Akwa Ibom Allocates N1 Billion for Lawmakers’ Vehicles Amidst Water Crisis**In a surprising turn of events,
Critics argue that the allocation for lawmakers’ vehicles sends a troubling message about governance priorities, suggesting that the comfort of public officials takes precedence over the welfare of the people they are meant to serve.
Social media platforms have been abuzz with comments from frustrated citizens, calling for a reevaluation of budgetary priorities that better reflect the urgent needs of the populace.
Supporters of the vehicle budget contend that it is essential for lawmakers to have reliable transportation to effectively perform their duties and represent their constituents.
However, the juxtaposition of this expenditure against the backdrop of a critical water shortage has raised eyebrows and calls for transparency and accountability in government spending.
The Akwa Ibom government faces mounting pressure to address the water crisis while also justifying its financial decisions.
The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining how the government balances its priorities and responds to the pressing needs of its citizens.
As the debate continues, many are left wondering: will the Akwa Ibom government heed the voices of its people, or will it continue down a path that prioritizes the comforts of officials over the basic necessities of its residents
