The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has denied the claim that N10 billion was set aside for the renovation of his residence. He dismissed this publication as fake news.
Gbajabiamila clarified that no such allocation was included in the 2024 appropriation bill for his residence, as he actually lives in his private apartment.
He further explained that the allocated funds were intended for the renovation of the Presidential Quarters in Dodan Barracks and the Vice President’s Lodge in Lagos.
“I have seen social media commentary regarding the 2024 Appropriation Bill, particularly the provisions under the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President.
“Owing to the erroneous nature of these reports, it has become necessary to clarify that there is no provision in the 2024 Appropriation Bill for the renovation of any residence for the Chief of Staff to the President. I live in my private residence.
“The sums mischievously quoted by online bloggers and fake news merchants are for renovating the Presidential Quarters in Dodan Barracks and the Vice President’s Lodge in Lagos, to overhaul the information management and communications facilities in the Presidency to meet modern standards, and to provide vehicles for the staff of the Presidency,” he said.
The former speaker of the House of Representatives mentioned that the government promotes public discussion about budget allocation. This is why, according to him, the budget document is made available to citizens for their evaluation.
However, he emphasised that these discussions should be grounded in facts, not falsehoods. He also stated that spreading false information does not contribute to constructive debates and accountability.
“This administration welcomes and encourages scrutiny of government expenditure; this is why the budget proposal is publicly available. However, healthy public debate about government actions requires us to be responsible with our utterances and engage based on facts rather than insinuations and falsehoods,” he added.
Previously, an online site said that the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, will receive N10 billion in the 2024 budget for the restoration of his official house in Abuja.
The report also stated that an additional N10.1 billion was set aside for computer software for the Chief of Staff’s office.
In response to the accusation, Gbajabiamila stated that the funds were allocated for the refurbishment of the president and vice president lodging at the Dodan Barracks in Lagos, not for his personal costs. He made it clear that he lived in his own home.
“The sums proposed for these projects are clearly stated in the budget proposal and bear no resemblance to the deceptive online commentary,” he said.
