Gov. Sule Denies Alleged N707m Expenditure on Refreshments

By David Odama

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has dismissed reports alleging that his administration spent N707 million on refreshments and meals between January and September last year.
The denial follows media reports (excluding City Post) which claimed that the amount was frivolously expended at a time when residents of the state were allegedly deprived of access to potable water.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Comrade Peter Ahemba, the governor clarified that the figure cited was misleading and did not represent a single discretionary spending on refreshments and meals, as portrayed in the publication.
Ahemba also faulted the report’s assertion that communities in the state lack access to water, describing the claim as malicious and laughable.
“Government hereby refutes the claims and wishes to further clarify that the N707 million referenced represents cumulative expenditures incurred by various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) over the nine-month period,” the statement said. “These expenditures covered statutory and operational activities, including meetings, trainings, workshops, security operations and programme implementation.”
He added that the allegation of neglect in rural water supply was unfounded, given the sustained investments made in water infrastructure across the state under the administration of Governor Abdullahi A. Sule.
“It is public knowledge that since assuming office in 2019, Governor Sule has implemented reforms and interventions through the State Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (NASWASSA), the Ministry of Water Resources, the State Water Board, and in collaboration with development partners,” Ahemba said. “These efforts followed the establishment of a Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Taskforce and the enactment of relevant enabling laws aimed at improving water access statewide.”