Falana: It’s Governments’ Turn to Tighten Belt

Wale Igbintade

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has asked President Bola Tinubu and the S state governors to reduce their entourage locally and internationally, so that Nigerians would know that the question of sacrifice have to start from the top.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today yesterday, Falana specifically urged the President Tinubu to further reduce his travel entourage from 60 per cent to 40 per cent to reflect the state of economy in the country.

Falana said while it is commendable that the government is starting to cut costs, there are other areas where resources could be saved from wasting away.

He said: “If possible, the government can go further to reduce the number from 60 to 40 per cent or there about having regards to the state of the economy. But there are areas to address where we are wasting a lot of resources.

“I once traveled, and I was in one of the embassies. I was flabbergasted that Nigeria has been paying rent in an African country for our embassy since 1962, which should not be so. So, the government will have to holistically look at the areas of waste.”

Highlighting the need for sacrifice in the face of a poor economy, Falana said that it is time for the government to tighten its belts after telling the poor to do the same for years.

“So, the government will have to holistically look at the areas of waste. Well, that is a good initiative on the part of the President. Our governors should also reduce their entourage locally and internationally so that we can let the world know and let Nigerians know that the question of sacrifice will have to start from the top.

“For years, we have asked the poor to tighten their belts; it is the government now that should tighten their belts. The budget must be reviewed to reflect the state of the economy. We are starting now to begin to cut down the excesses of government and I think it’s a good development, but we need to do more,” he said.

On the issue of security, Falana said since 1999, the state governors have abrogated their constitutional responsibilities and handed over Police powers in Nigeria to the President and the Inspector General of Police.