The National Association of Nigerian Students, South West chapter (NANS ZONE D) has disclosed that the N305bn proposed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2023 general election was too much.
According to the NANS Zone D coordinator, Emmanuel Olatunji, the country may not be able to manage the implications of such expenditure during a “the precarious economic climate of the nation”.
This was contained in an official statement which was released by the students association.
The statement reads;
“The Nigerian economy is barely hanging by a thread and the requested N305bn may not be feasible at this time.
“Consequently, we admonish both INEC and the Federal Government to adopt astute patriotism to the country by looking for the nearest most appropriate solution to this potential quagmire.”
The NANs coordinator suggested that INEC should form a budget assessment committee to examine the “appropriate downward review,” of the budget to a practicable figure. He noted that this will go a long way to ease the conversation between the electoral body and the federal government.
The coordinator stated that “We also implore the Presidency to eliminate all forms of sentiments and subjectivity in all their dealings with INEC, which includes the incorporation of INEC’s allocation into the national budget.
“Both parties will do themselves a world of good and have more time to serve the good people of Nigeria if this is adopted.
Emmanuel Olatunji also presented the view of the association on the 2022 electoral amendment bill that remained on the negotiating table of the National Assembly and the Presidency, as at press time.