The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has raised serious concerns over the purportedly excessive delegation of 1,411 individuals led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
In a statement by its national publicity secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the PDP alleged that the delegation comprises political allies, cronies, and associated individuals at the nation’s expense.
The opposition party accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration of lavishness and imprudent use of national resources, particularly when Nigerians face economic challenges and infrastructure deficits.
The party highlighted the need for responsible funds management to drive economic rejuvenation and employment opportunities.
The PDP dismissed attempts by the Presidency to justify the over-bloated delegation, asserting that it includes individuals unrelated to the conference and sponsored at government expense.
The party emphasized that such actions reflect a broader pattern of what they termed as “institutionalized corruption” within the current administration.
Demanding transparency, the PDP called upon the Presidency to disclose the names and roles of the officially sponsored delegation members and the overall cost incurred by the nation.
Furthermore, the PDP called upon the National Assembly to invoke its constitutional powers to investigate the matter, citing Section 88 of the Constitution, which empowers the assembly to probe corruption within government institutions.
The party emphasized the necessity of holding individuals or institutions accountable if any impropriety is found.
”Our Party also demands that President Tinubu should be ready to refund any Federal Government fund improperly spent to sponsor any individual who has no relevance at the Conference.
”Such funds should be channeled to projects that have direct bearing on the wellbeing of Nigerians,” the statement noted.
