N2.2bn banquet hall: “Jonathan needs it, he currently transmits national broadcast from the cafeteria…” – FG

by Isi Esene

The federal government has given reasons for its intention to build a befitting banquet hall in the Presidential Villa. It said the uproar which heralded the announcement to build the N2.2billion structure is fueled by “clear misconceptions and misunderstanding”.

This was addressed yesterday by the minister of information, Labaran Maku and the Federal Capital Territory minister, Bala Muhammed.

According to Maku, the existing banquet hall was specially built for big national events like concerts that would attract about 2,000 people. He said the president is finding it difficult getting appropriate space to hold his live broadcasts to the nation.

“Whenever Mr. President has a live programme to broadcast to the nation, he has to come to the cafeteria where refreshments are served to hold the programme because there is no space for that kind of live programmes.

“There has also been problems in getting telephones to work in a situation where such programmes are phone-in ones.

“The existing banquet hall is for big events like concerts for about 1,000 or 2,000 people.”

“There is absolutely no space. The President receives visitors in the First Lady’s Conference Room. The new hall is absolutely a necessity, it is not duplication. Events will still take place at the existing banquet hall.”

The FCT minister, Bala Muhammed reportedly argued that the new banquet hall was captured in the 2012 Budget.

He explained saying, “The FCT operates two budgets – the National Priority Budget and the FCT Statutory Budget. This project is captured in the statutory budget approved by the National Assembly. It is not true that it is an unbudgeted project.”

He explained that the new hall would be a multi-purpose hall that would have broadcast facilities for the president to address the nation and lounge for visiting heads of governments.

Comments (6)

  1. They will never learn from others,and they will never will know they will be dead,buried and rotten.

  2. Wonderful.

  3. Are these guys jokers!!!!

    Do they have an idea what 2.2Billion can do for the nation. They are bothered about live telecast for the president, for all I care they should use my parlor. Has the minister gone to assess the decay in the University of Abuja!! Spend 2.2 Billion in the school alone and see what difference it will make. God please give us real leaders!!!

  4. So labaran *idiot maku wants to tell me dat a portion of d existing hall cant be transformed into a broadcasting studio?

    When i told people not to vote for Gej, it seemed like i was against deir Tribe. Nigeria is Dead.
    Time for Burial.

  5. So labaran *idiot maku wants to tell me dat a portion of d existing hall cant be transformed into a broadcasting studio?

    When i told people not to vote for Gej, it seemed like i was against deir Tribe. Nigeria is Dead.

  6. Labaran Maku again. The man simply is incapable of learning common sense. No wonder the senate says he talks like a fool. These people are ready to say the most stupid of things just to defend their lootcracy. President Obama makes national broadcasts from the oval office. Or is it the office of the first lady that the GEJ is using as his office?

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