March 15, 2024
Senator Abdul Ningi had on Saturday last week while granting an interview to the BBC disclosed that the President Bola Tinubu-led government was implementing a different budget other than that what was approved by the senate.
Nigeria's former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has demanded an immediate thorough investigation into the alleged N3trillion budget padding rocking the Nigerian senate.
Senator Abdul Ningi had on Saturday last week while granting an interview to the BBC disclosed that the President Bola Tinubu-led government was implementing a different budget other than that what was approved by the senate.
According to him, the Nigerian senate approriated and passed N25trillion instead of the N28.77 being currently implemented by the Tinubu-led executive arm.
Reacting to the allegation, the Nigerian senate had suspended Senator Ningi after majority of its members approved the move.
Commenting on the development, Atiku who was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) urged Tinubu to launch an inquest into the matter.
Atiku who took to his Facebook page noted that "over the past few days, allegations have rocked the Senate, questioning the very integrity of the 2024 Appropriation Act, the cornerstone of our nation's annual planning and development."
He averred that a fiscal policy analytics and advocacy organisation unequivocally confirmed a disturbing lack of transparency within the 2024 Appropriation Act.
"Furthermore, the sudden suspension of the whistle-blower Senator, without adequate explanation, has only fuelled the crisis, leaving us with more questions than answers.
"I demand an immediate and thorough investigation into these allegations. Appropriation lies at the heart of governance, and any deviation from serving the people's interests will be met with fierce opposition," Atiku stated.
He further maintained that denials are unacceptable, and the suspension of one senator cannot silence accusations of corruption and illegal fiscal spending by the federal government.
He further insisted that "Without a clear explanation to the people of Nigeria, we must treat these allegations for what they are: outright fraud.
"The accusation of budget padding totaling N3trillion cannot be dismissed lightly by the government.
"Given the current hardships facing our nation, a padded budget is already translating to a padded hunger, padded poverty, padded insecurity, padded energy crises, padded forex instability, and the soaring cost of living.
"The people of Nigeria cannot afford to ignore allegations that worsen our already dire economic situation.
"The current federal government has a disgraceful track record of ignoring issues of transparency and due process in public administration.
"The unresolved $3.3 billion NNPCL loan repayment scandal, with Nigeria now expected to repay $12 billion, remains a glaring example.
"The Tinubu administration must address these high-profile corruption cases transparently.
"The National Assembly, as the elected representatives of the people, are constitutionally obligated to legislate for the peace, order, and good governance of our nation, without colluding with corrupt elements.
"Failure to do so and persisting in denial will only confirm the government's complicity in official malpractice," Atiku stressed.