The Human Rights Writers Association (HURIWA) has strongly criticized the alleged inclusion of unapproved allocations in the 2024 budget by the National Assembly, labeling it as ‘political terrorism.’
Following claims by Abdul Ningi, senator representing Bauchi Central, that the budget was inflated by N3 trillion, HURIWA has called for a comprehensive investigation into the matter. In a statement released by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the group warned that inserting unauthorized items into a lawfully passed budget could result in the collapse of crucial socio-economic infrastructures.
“We firmly believe that the act of padding the budget by the leadership of the National Assembly is tantamount to political terrorism,” Onwubiko declared. “Our concern is that Senator Ningi’s alarm seems to be driven by regional political motives rather than a national perspective.”
HURIWA emphasized the necessity of a thorough probe to establish the validity of the allegations and identify the perpetrators for prosecution in a competent court of law.
Senator Ningi, who leads the northern Senate caucus, expressed concern to BBC Hausa about the detrimental impact of the budget alterations on the northern region and the nation as a whole.
HURIWA urged northern senators to transcend regional sentiments and address the allegations of budget padding from a national standpoint. The group asserted that budget padding constitutes a grave offense akin to terrorism, depriving the public of resources meant for essential infrastructure and social amenities crucial for alleviating the hardships faced by many Nigerians.
Condemning any proven instances of budget padding, HURIWA called for the identification and prosecution of those responsible. The statement emphasized the need to hold accountable the masterminds of this act of political terrorism, demanding stringent sanctions against them for economic sabotage.
