By SaharaReporters, New YorkA scandalous squandering of scarce public funds for next Sunday’s inauguration of Goodluck Jonathan's presidency is in effect. SaharaReporters investigations have revealed that the inauguration ceremonies will last one week at a budget of about N5 billion ($32 million).
In a memo obtained by SaharReporters, the church service alone, which will take place next Saturday, will swallow over N62 million( $403,000)
The memo is signed by the Minister of Aviation, Fidelia Njeze, in her role as the chairman of the Church Service sub-committee of the 2011 Presidential Inauguration Committee.
Wearing that cap, Mrs. Njeze will oversee the church service on Saturday May 28, at the Christian center in Abuja for a couple of hours. The Presidential Inauguration Committee is listed under the office of the Secretary to the Federal Government (SGF).
Presidency sources told SaharaReporters that apart from the series of committees set up by the Office of the SGF, the president's office and that of the First Lady also have their different budgetary expenses for the event.
In the church committee activity, Mrs. Njeze proposes to provide a public address system for N35 million. She will also refurbish the Christian Center's 24 air-conditioning system for N8 million; provide multimedia projectors and screens for another N8 million, and pay as well as pay officiating ministers N2.5 million.
