By Abasi Ita
A popular social media commentator, VeryDarkMan (VDM), has launched a scathing attack on the Ekiti State Government and members of the State House of Assembly over the alleged allocation of just N68 million to primary healthcare in the 2024 state budget.
In a viral outburst on social media, VDM condemned the budgetary priorities of the state, describing the allocation as “wicked, greedy and inhumane,” especially when juxtaposed with what he claimed were hundreds of millions of naira earmarked for official comforts and legislative allowances.
According to him, Ekiti State, with a total budget size of about N415.5 billion, could not justify allocating only N68 million to primary healthcare, a sector that directly affects millions of residents, particularly rural dwellers, pregnant women, children, the elderly and the poor.
VDM alleged that while primary healthcare was grossly underfunded, the budget made provisions of N81 million for office equipment, N20 million for additional equipment, N150 million for maintenance of office furniture, another N150 million for the purchase of new furniture, N618 million for honourarium and sitting allowances, N24 million for refreshments, and about N700 million for official vehicles.
He accused the governor and lawmakers of prioritising personal comfort over the welfare of citizens, insisting that such spending patterns reflect a complete disregard for human lives.
“You sit down eating, enjoying, voting, collecting allowances, while ordinary people cannot access basic healthcare,” VDM said, lamenting that many Nigerians continue to die in poorly equipped hospitals due to lack of funding.
The activist further warned that leaders who neglect the healthcare needs of their people would be held accountable, both morally and spiritually, for the suffering and deaths resulting from poor public health services.
As of the time of filing this report, the Ekiti State Government and the State House of Assembly had not officially responded to the allegations or clarified the figures circulating on social media.
The development has, however, reignited public debate on budget transparency, legislative priorities and the state of primary healthcare delivery across Nigeria.