2017 budget: Buhari, Osinbajo, EFCC, others to spend N2.9 billion on honorarium, allowances

- President Muhammadu Buhari, his vice Professor Yemi Osinbajo and others in the Presidency will spend N2.9 billion on honorarium, allowances in 2017

- President Buhari budgeted about N507 million for honorarium and sitting allowance in 2016 while his predecessor, President Goodluck Jonathan budgeted N174 million for the same purpose in 2015.

Despite economic recession, President Muhammadu Buhari, his vice Professor Yemi Osinbajo and others in the Presidency will spend N2.9 billion on honorarium, allowances in 2017, details of the 2017 budget has revealed.

According to Daily sun, President Buhari budgeted about N507 million for honorarium and sitting allowance in 2016 while his predecessor, President Goodluck Jonathan budgeted N174 million for the same purpose in 2015.

The budget further revealed that Buhari will spend N393 million, consisting of N188 million for honorarium and sitting allowances, N205 million would be spent on non-regular allowances, while the office of Vice President and Chief of Staff will take N21.3 million and N18 million, respectively.

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), an agency under the Presidency propose to spend N1.83 billion on honorarium and allowances while it’s total budget for 2017 is but at N17.202 billion making it the largest single allocation among the agencies under the presidency.

Also, N660, 377,107 has been budgeted to take care of power challenge at the State House and other strategic offices in the Presidency. This sum comprises of N436, 853,111 for the normal electricity charges and an additional allocation of N223, 523,996 for its alternative power solutions.

The maintenance of infrastructure and technical facilities in the Defense House and other Safe Houses will gulp N367.980 million, while the rehabilitation and infrastructure of security quarters in the villa will also take N284.587 million.

The president is planning to spend N978 million on travels – N739 million foreign and N239 million local while his chief security officer (CSO) is proposing to spend N123 million.

For the office of the vice president, it budgeted N306 million for travels; N218 for foreign and N88 million, local – against 2016’s N43 million and 2015’s N33 million.

Heavily armed bandits kill 4, kidnap 30, stole 250 cattles in Niger state

About 60 heavily armed bandits over the weekend attacked several communities in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State and killed four persons, kidnapped 30 and also went away with 250 cattle from the communities.
The invaders who are suspected to be Boko Haram members fleeing from the recaptured Sambisa forest in Borno State reportedly operated with sophisticated weapons, including AK47 rifles, locally made guns, machetes and daggers.

According to a report by Daily Sun, the invaders have demanded for ransom, ranging from N2 million to N3 million for the release of each member of the communities.

Mallam Ummah Abubakar, who was among those kidnapped said he managed to escape after the three armed men detailed to guard them, slept off due to fatigue.

He could not ascertain the whereabout of his two wives, Aisha and Maryamu and his ten children that were kidnapped along with him.

Another victim, Maianguwan Kusherki Garba Tanko, narrating his ordeal, said they stole over 200 cows from him and lamented how the women were molested openly.While Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bala Elkana, could not be reached for comment. Nevertheless, the Chairman of Rafi Local Government Council, Alhaji Gambo Tanko Kagara, who confirmed the incidence, said he had reported the case to higher authorities.

The council boss however stated that drastic measures must be taken to address the incessant attacks on the communities by gunmen which he said have claimed many lives.

Meanwhile, despite economic recession, President Muhammadu Buhari, his vice Professor Yemi Osinbajo and others in the Presidency will spend N2.9 billion on honorarium, allowances in 2017, details of the 2017 budget has revealed.

Jonathan prays for Nigeria in New Year message

Former President Goodluck Jonathan in the evening of on Saturday, December 31, 2016, released a special prayer for Nigeria as the country joins the world to mark a New Year.

In his message, the former president prayed that Nigeria and its citizens continue to live strong to meet the goal of the country.

"My prayer for Nigeria in the year 2017 is that we continue to forge greater ties across the length and breadth of this great nation to the end that we may achieve the Nigerian Dream: A nation where the child of a nobody can become a somebody without knowing anybody.

"A nation where your knowledge, talent and character affect your upward mobility rather than the fact of your tribe, religion or birth.

"Such a Nigeria is possible if we all pitch in in word, action and prayer which I am sure we will do. I wish all Nigerians a very Happy New Year 2017.

"On behalf of my family and I, I congratulate you for making it into the New Year. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria," he said in the New Year message to the nation.

Earlier today, President Muhammadu Buhari released his own message giving Nigerians hope of a better 2017.