Atiku: Ningi’s suspension fueled ‘budget padding’ crisis

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has demanded an “Immediate and thorough” investigation into the budget padding allegation rocking the Senate.

Atiku, in a statement on Thursday, warned the senate not to collude with the federal government and deprive the people of good governance especially in view of the prevailing situation in the country.

This was as he also condemned the action against Senator Abdul Ningi, saying suspension without investigation only fueled the crisis.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Candidate in the last election said: “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.

“A fiscal policy analytics and advocacy organization has 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 fueled 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. Denials are unacceptable, and the suspension of one senator cannot silence accusations of corruption and illegal fiscal spending by the federal government.,

The former Vice President said “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 N3 trillion 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.”

He said National Assembly members 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,” he said.