The state was reacting to the publication of SaharaReporters in relation to its expenditure on entertainment and hospitality to the tune of N599million in the first three months of 2024.
The Gombe State government has denied that it spent N599million frivolously in the first quarter of 2024, on entertainment and hospitality.
The state was reacting to the publication of SaharaReporters in relation to its expenditure on entertainment and hospitality to the tune of N599million in the first three months of 2024.
This was communicated in a statement titled “Re: Gombe Spends N6.5 Million Daily on Entertainment and Hospitality: Setting the Record Straight” signed by Ismaila Isa, Director General (press affairs), government house and sent to SaharaReporters.
It read in part; “In response to the claims about Gombe State's expenditure on entertainment and hospitality, it is pertinent to clarify the context and provide a balanced perspective on the matter.”
“Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya is a prudent and accountable leader whose stewardship is marked by fiscal responsibility and transparency as evident by the recent ranking of the state as 6th on the Fiscal Transparency League Table by BudgIT which demonstrates the Governor's prudent management of the State's resources.”
The government stated that the expenditure should be viewed in line with high profile events that took place in the period under review (first quarter 2024).
“The assertion that the state spends N6.5 million daily on entertainment and hospitality by merely dividing the quarterly total by the number of days is misleading and overlooks the broader context.”
“Firstly, it should be noted that the reported N599 million expenditure for the first quarter of 2024 is not and extra budgetary spending, and must be viewed in light of the current reality biz-a-viz the significant festivities and high-profile events that took place during this period. These included the New Year, the Ramadan, Eid el-Fitr, as well as other high-profile events and visitors hosted by Gombe State. These events naturally require substantial hospitality arrangements.”
The statement further stated that the expenditure had economic benefits and returns for the state.”
“Moreover, the allocation for entertainment and hospitality is not for frivolous spending but serves as an essential part of hosting events that promote economic, cultural and social engagements in the state. Such expenditures often translate into economic benefits by boosting local businesses and fostering goodwill.”
The statement further alleged misrepresentation of facts.
“We are therefore miffed by the portrayal and misrepresentation of figures of the expenditure as daily spending for entertainment and hospitality.”
SaharaReporters earlier noted that a budget performance review of the Gombe state expenditure for the first three months of 2024, has shown that the state spent N599 million on entertainment and hospitality.
The total amount budgeted for entertainment and hospitality in the whole of 2024 stands at N2.8 billion.
This would mean that in the Ninety-one day period between January and March, 2024 (Thirty-one days in January, twenty-nine days in February and Thirty one days in March), the state spent N6.5 million daily on the average for entertainment and hospitality purposes.
It was further stated that this was more than the capital expenditure for the ministry of Internal security and home affairs stood at N19.4 million, the amount spent on the capital expenditure of health ministry stood at N201 million, Higher education capital expenditure stood at N130 million, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral resources capital expenditure stood at N25 million, the capital expenditure for the Ministry of science, technology and innovation was N6 million per details from the budget performance reports.