The Bayelsa State Government has expressed deep concern and disappointment over a report published by SaharaReporters, which it described as false and misleading.
The report, attributed to Tracka, a civil society organization monitoring public budgets, alleged that the state allocated N700 million in its 2024 budget for the purchase of only 50 torchlights and 100 walkie-talkies.
In a press statement issued by Dr. Kola Oredipe, Director General of New Media to the Governor of Bayelsa State, the government dismissed the report as a “bouquet of falsehood and misrepresentations,” accusing both Tracka and SaharaReporters of failing to exercise due diligence in verifying the details of the state’s 2024 budget.
“The Bayelsa State Government submitted its consolidated budget document to the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) in an Excel format,” Oredipe explained, adding that the online media and monitoring group failed to check the full details of the items under the relevant budget sub-head.
“If Tracka or even SaharaReporters did, they would have seen that there were other items apart from torchlight and walkie-talkie on that sub-head,” he said.
Oredipe pointed out that the N700 million estimate covered a broader range of security equipment, including 2,000 heated bulletproof vests, 500 units of pepper spray, 500 biometric scanners, 200 tasers, metal detectors, and firearms, among other items.
He also clarified that the budget allocations for Hilux vans, Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), and a state-of-the-art printing press for the Bayelsa State newspaper corporation were properly accounted for in the 2024 budget.
The government described the publication as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and tarnish the administration’s reputation.
“The attempt to twist the contents of a public document is purely an irresponsible act that is very condemnable,” Oredipe stated.
He emphasized that organizations tasked with monitoring public expenditures should not engage in misinformation or the dissemination of falsehoods.
The Bayelsa State Government has demanded a full retraction of the report from SaharaReporters and an unreserved apology from both Tracka and the media outlet.
“An outfit that monitors public expenditure and tracks accountability is not expected to engage in such a disdainful act of misinformation and spreading of falsehood,” Oredipe added.
The administration of Governor Douye Diri, according to the statement, remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the ideals of good governance, which have characterized its tenure since February 2020.