Nelson Utip
The Government of Akwa Ibom State has declared that it strictly follow budgetary provision in expenditure as detected by legislative oversight; this came at the heels of public scrutiny of the state’s finances.
In response to criticism on state’s spending profile in a live radio programme monitored by The Matrix in Uyo, one of The Governor’s Media Aide, Reverend Richard Peters said claims of financial rascality and fiscal recklessness were not supported by official records or established budget performance indicators.
The Aide claimed that government spending in Akwa Ibom operates within the framework of annual appropriations approved by the State House of Assembly, stressing that no expenditure can be lawfully undertaken outside the budget process without legislative approval.
Peter argued that suggestions that public funds were being spent arbitrarily ignored constitutional provisions governing public finance and the institutional mechanisms designed to ensure accountability and transparency in government operations.
He further said that the state’s fiscal performance remains strong, he cited reports that placed Akwa Ibom’s 2025 budget implementation index above 80 percent, which he said reflected substantial compliance with approved spending plans and development targets.
Peter also stated that budget performance reports, revenue allocations, expenditure records and other fiscal documents are publicly available for scrutiny by citizens, journalists and independent analysts while questioning persistent allegations of financial mismanagement. He posits that critics had yet to present evidence from official government records to substantiate their claims.
The Aide also pointed to regular sectorial briefings, Media engagements and project updates by Ministries, Departments and Agencies as evidence of the administration’s commitment to keeping residents informed about government programmes and expenditures.
He observed that the state’s recurrent obligations, including salaries, pensions, gratuities and overhead costs, as well as ongoing capital projects such as housing developments and extensive road construction, account for significant portions of monthly revenue inflows.
Peter also said that public discourse on government finances should be guided by documented facts, published budgets, audited reports and measurable development outcomes rather than speculation, insisting that accountability is best served through evidence-based scrutiny of official records.
