Being a public servant in Nigeria is like a tale of two cities, for one servant life is a bed of Dolce and Gabbana and Versace…Versace…whilst for the other servant, slavery in 19th century America may have been more dignified.
Revelations from two major publications in Nigeria has unearthed the fact that the budget for the renovation, and furnishing of the Vice President’s living accommodations over the past four years is more than 400% of what the entire Nigerian Police Force received as budget for the renovation of all police barracks in the country.
Premium Times had earlier disclosed that N2.1 billion had been budgeted for the VP, Namadi Sambo’s living areas since 2011. The publication also revealed that N300 million had been spent on average annually, with N900 million spent in 2011. Over N540 million was spent in 2012 with N200 million spent on Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) systems, despite millions being budgeted for diesel and generator expenses.
Meanwhile the situation at the barracks continue to prove bleek. An investigation by Punch newspaper revealed that in spite of the comparatively paltry sum of N425 million budgeted for all the police barracks in 2012, the barracks had continued to deteriorate into a “refugee slum”.
A policewoman revealed anonymously, “This barracks can at best be described as a refugee camp as it is simply an eyesore and yet rent is being deducted in my salaries monthly.”
More deplorable tales abound such as instances of reptiles and rodents invading the living quarters of the police, broken sewage pipes leading, open drainages, and generally dilapidated conditions.
A policeman interviewed for the report by Punch said, “This barracks is not too good for human habitation. But I think I have got no other choice than to move out of the civilian residential apartment as my landlord was not fair with the rent as he put it up at will.
“Although I can’t put a specific figure to the amount I pay monthly due to the newly introduced e-payment regime, the rent in the barracks can’t be more than N5,000, which is far less than how much I paid in my former place of residence.”