By Ogenyi Ogenyi
A cleric and aide to Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, Rev. Richard Peters, has dismissed allegations of extra-budgetary spending by the state government, describing the claims as unfounded and unsupported by available public records.
Speaking to journalists in Uyo, Peters said all government expenditures are guided by budgets approved through the legislative process and implemented within established fiscal regulations. He argued that suggestions of spending outside approved channels were misleading, noting that state governments can only incur additional expenditures through supplementary appropriations approved by the legislature.
According to Peters, the Umo Eno administration operates within existing accountability and fiscal responsibility frameworks that monitor revenue, expenditure, and project implementation. He said budget performance reports, expenditure details, and allocation records are publicly available and can be accessed by journalists, analysts, and members of the public. Peters further stated that assessments of government spending should be based on official documents and verifiable data rather than speculation.
He noted that state resources are used to meet statutory obligations, including salary payments, pensions, gratuities, overhead costs, and ongoing development projects.The governor’s aide also cited investments in housing, road infrastructure, and other public projects as examples of expenditures funded through approved government revenues.
While acknowledging the importance of public scrutiny in a democracy, Peters said accountability discussions should be anchored on evidence, audited reports, and published budget documents.He urged critics to rely on verified information when evaluating government finances, adding that informed public debate is essential for transparency and good governance.
