Edo Assembly Relegates Deputy Governor’s Office Below SSG On Budget Allocation
In a recent budget allocation move by the Edo State Assembly, the office of the Deputy Governor has been assigned a relatively small budget compared to other key offices, stirring controversy in the state.
The allocated budget for the Deputy Governor’s Office is N300 million, significantly less than the Governor’s N19 billion, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) with N18 billion, the House of Assembly with N13 billion, and the Head of Service (HoS) with N968 million.
The apparent reduction in the budget for the deputy governor has sparked speculation, with some suggesting that it may be connected to his gubernatorial ambitions.
The 2024 Appropriation Bill, signed into law on December 15, 2023, has raised concerns among observers, particularly those who believe the budget allocation reflects a political maneuver against the deputy governor’s potential bid for the governorship.
Some lawmakers aligned with the deputy governor opposed the budget’s approval, labeling it an “unfair appropriation.” However, their objections were reportedly overruled by the Speaker, Rt. Hon Blessing Agbebaku, and other assembly members.
Breaking down the allocated budget, the Governor received N19,148,177,584, while the deputy governor’s office was allocated N345,522,729. The Secretary to State Government (SSG) received N8,847,647,676, the Head of Service (HoS) N968,000,000, and the House of Assembly N13,074,500,000.
There are speculations that this budget allocation may be a result of political tensions, as the governor is rumored to be aiming to undermine the deputy governor’s aspirations through financial means.
While some suggest that this move might create divisions within the House, a principal member of the Assembly defended the decision, stating that the allocated sum to the deputy governor’s office considers the likelihood of reduced official duties due to election commitments.
The budget allocation has triggered debates and discussions, reflecting the complex political landscape in Edo State.
