Stanley Nkwocha, the spokesperson for Vice President Kashim Shettima, has defended the proposed N15 billion budget for the construction of a new residence for the Vice President, stating that it is not a waste of money. This response comes after Peter Obi criticized the allocation, suggesting that the funds could be put to better use in light of the current economic crisis.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Nkwocha clarified that the proposed plan for the construction of the Vice President’s official residence was initiated and awarded by the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. He emphasized that the project, which began in 2010 and was funded by the Jonathan administration, was abandoned and left incomplete for over a decade.
Nkwocha accused Obi of attempting to distort the facts and paint the current administration in a negative light for political gain. He explained that the decision to revive the project was made by the current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, who deemed it wasteful to allow the uncompleted building to deteriorate further.
The spokesperson invited Nigerians to crosscheck the details, highlighting that completing abandoned projects is a priority for the current administration. Nkwocha argued that reviving such projects is a responsible approach, saving the country from the embarrassment of numerous abandoned federal government projects across the nation.
He concluded by asserting that completing vital abandoned projects is in line with the administration’s commitment to effective governance and infrastructure development.
