The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticized the Godswill Akpabio-led Senate for failing to address the issue of alleged budget padding in the 2024 budget, despite the suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi from Bauchi.
Ningi’s suspension on Tuesday came in the wake of his claim during a BBC Hausa Service interview that the 2024 budget was padded with N3.7 trillion without proper line items.
The ensuing debate on Tuesday prompted the Senate to suspend Ningi, but Obi contends that the core issue remains unresolved.
In a statement shared on social media on Wednesday, Obi emphasized, “The controversy surrounding the alleged N3 trillion padding in the 2024 budget, brought forward by a senator, continues as the Senate’s decision to suspend the whistleblower hasn’t effectively addressed the crucial concerns raised by the allegation.”
Obi pointed out conflicting figures, stating that while the Senator alleged N3 trillion padding, the Executive only acknowledged N1.2 trillion. Additionally, accusations of irregular allocation of constituency projects by the Senate leadership have surfaced, supported by the civic society group Budgit.
“The Senate’s suspension of the involved senator fails to provide clarity on the matter,” Obi remarked. “There is a pressing need for transparency regarding the varying claims and counterclaims, including those from the executive branch, to inform the public accurately.”
Highlighting the significance of the disputed funds, Obi underscored their potential impact on critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.
“The admitted N1.2 trillion padding, if redirected to essential areas of development, could have substantial positive effects,” he stated. “Moreover, if the reported N3.7 trillion lacking detailed project allocations is accurate, it’s imperative for the Senate to allocate these funds judiciously, focusing on key development priorities.”
Obi concluded by urging for prudent management of public resources to address pressing national challenges and fulfill aspirations for a better Nigeria.
