The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, is asking for a prompt and complete inquiry into the N3.7trn 2024 Budget padding accusation, and he insists that refusals are not allowed.
The senator from Bauchi Central, Abdul Ningi, has been given a three-month suspension by the Senate.
This action came after his comments during an interview, claiming that the National Assembly increased the 2024 budget to N28.7 trillion.
In the interview on Saturday, Ningi said that despite the National Assembly approving a budget of N25 trillion for the 2024 fiscal year, the Presidency is implementing one worth N28.7 trillion.
In his statement on Thursday, Atiku replied by saying that the accusations are raising doubts about the integrity of the 2024 Appropriation Act, which is the basis of our nation’s yearly planning and development.
He pointed out that a financial policy analytics and advocacy organization has identified a troubling lack of supposed transparency within the 2024 Appropriation Act.
Atiku said, “Furthermore, the sudden suspension of the whistle-blower Senator, without adequate explanation, has only fueled the crisis, leaving us with more questions than answers.
“I demand an immediate and thorough investigation into these accusations. Appropriation lies at the heart of governance, and any deviation from serving the people’s interests will be met with fierce opposition.
“Denials are unacceptable, and the suspension of one senator cannot silence accusations of corruption and illegal fiscal spending by the federal government.
“Without a clear explanation to the people of Nigeria, we must treat these allegations for what they are: outright fraud.”
The former vice president emphasized that the government cannot simply dismiss the accusation of budget padding amounting to N3 trillion. He urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to address this allegation with transparency.
The statement read in part “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 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.
