From HASSAN JIRGI Damaturu
Yobe State government has debunked the allegations made by Sahara Reporters that it spent N3.8 billion on sitting allowances and presidential chalets, while reporting zero expenditure on basic education.
In a statement, the Director-General, Press and Media Affairs, Mamman Mohammed emphasized the importance of journalistic integrity and the responsibility of media organisations to report accurately.
“Journalism is a noble profession dedicated to informing and educating the public. However, it becomes a poison when it is misused to propagate deliberate lies and falsehoods.”
Mohammed detailed government’s actual expenditure, stating that over N3 billion has been allocated for instructional materials and the rehabilitation of classrooms and hostels in more than ten schools in the last three quarters.
He also highlighted that more than N1.5 billion was paid for tuition and registration fees, alongside additional N3.5 billion disbursed to the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, as counterpart funds.
He criticized Sahara Reporters for publishing documents in an almost illegible format, which obscured vital information regarding educational spending.
“For those who took the time to examine the document closely, it became clear that while expenditure on sitting allowances and construction were documented, there was a conspicuous absence of any information regarding actual spending on basic education,” he noted.
Mohammed concluded by refuting the claim of zero expenditure on basic education, stating that, “This assertion implies that all schools in Yobe State are closed—a notion that is patently false.
“In reality, schools across Yobe State have experienced increase in enrollment and are operating with significant improvements.”
The state government urged media organisations to uphold their ethical responsibilities and contribute positively to public discourse rather than spreading misinformation.
