Its been revealed that President Jonathan spent
$1million of aid money to attract world class performer like Beyonce
and Jay-Z ,Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes, Snoop Dogg and Ciara were also among performers at the 2006 Music Festival. A
letter stamped and signed by Bayels State officials in 2006 revealed
that President Goodluck Jonathan, then the Governor of the state,
released N150million from the state’s poverty alleviation
fund for the inaugural ThisDay Music Festival.It's not known however if the International popstars were aware that their
appearance was subsidised by the country's poverty alleviation
fund. The
document surfaced after it was disclosed that reality TV star Kim K was reportedly
paid $500,000 (£329,695) for a fleeting appearance in Lagos last week,
angering Nigerians.
The
letter was sent from Nduka Obaigbena, the publisher of Nigerian
newspaper ThisDay – the major sponsor for the festival - to the Bayelsa
State government asking for money for the festival ahead of the
country’s 46th independence celebration.
The authenticity of the letter has not been confirmed. It
is not known whether the funds allegedly released by the government
were paid to festival performers directly and if so, how much the
performers received According to reports: ‘Mr Obaigbena often lines up financial
bonanzas from numerous governors, ministers and other top government
officials to finance his jamborees.’ At
the bottom of the letter, a handwritten note allegedly signed by aides
of then Governor Jonathan and the state’s accountant general says:
‘Release N150,000,000.00 (One hundred and fifty million naira) only to
be drawn from the poverty alleviation subhead.’ The
letter reads: ‘The music festival will bring the world’s top music
icons to Nigeria and showcase the great news coming out of Nigeria.‘Already several top music icons have signed on or are signing on. ‘They’ll tell the world through music that Nigeria’s time has come.’ The publisher added: ‘We invite you to partner with us as co-hosts of the festival. ‘With a total budget of $10 million, the co-host is expected to contribute a minimum of $2.5 million.’
Our so called leaders Governors,Ministers etc,spend monies voted for different projects carelessly without following due process. This story shows how insensitive they can be,etc
Our so called leaders Governors,Ministers etc,spend monies voted for different projects carelessly without following due process. This story shows how insensitive they can be,etc
ReplyDeleteIf this is true then its a very very big shame
ReplyDelete