TheCable

The federal government has not paid former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan, Olusegun Obasanjo, Ibrahim Babangida, and other heads of state their allowances since January.

Babchir Lawal, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), revealed this when members of the senate committee on federal character and inter-governmental affairs paid him a visit on Thursday.

Lawal explained that lack of funds was responsible for the development.

“We are aware that there was a protest in Bayelsa state that former President Goodluck Jonathan was not paid, but we have explained that he is not the only one affected,” he said.

“Others affected are the Inter-religious council, traditional rulers council and so on. For some reason, we have been writing and writing, but there has been no response. And there is presently no money to pay them.

“The budget for this year’s democracy day was N33 million and we had to do it on credit, we are yet to pay. There are lots of retreats which we ought to organise but there is no money to do any. The last time we got any release was in August.”

The SGF said when he assumed duty, there was money in the account used in paying the entitlements of ex-presidents, but that the issue of treasury single account affected the account.

He also disclosed that as a result of paucity of funds, the entitlements of Obasanjo and Jonathan, which were higher than others, was slashed.

“When I came into office, there was N1.5bn in the account. We had payment of all liabilities which came to 700 million. Then we wrote to the President to return what was left to the TSA. That was how we came back to a zero balance,” he said.

“It is painful to me because as a person I know all of the ex-president personally. Now, why have we not been able to get the money? We requested for a budget of N700 million complaining, but the president has his way of doing things.

“Look around, you’ll see government vehicles breaking down every now and then. Really, I know the challenges the budget office is facing, but the truth is the funds are not just there.

“Before the government left office, they jacked up salaries. We told former President Jonathan and Obasanjo that they cannot earn twice what the others were earning. So we told them we wanted to review it, and we did. So they now earn what the others earn as well.

“As SGF I’m getting embarrassed and demeaned by chasing money coming from demands. All MDAS come to me for things to be done, and it is not quite easy, but we will try our best.

“Last year, these political appointees had nothing. As to assistance, we really need assistance, if not but to retain all that we have budgeted for.”

The committee urged the federal government to find a means to tackling the challenges.