Adams Oshiomhole, the Senator representing Edo North, expressed his dismay on Tuesday over the budget padding allegations circulating within the Senate. He lamented the situation, likening it to the Senate being exposed and vulnerable in the public eye.
His sentiments were voiced during his contribution to the discussion on the floor of the Senate regarding the N3.7 trillion budget allegations raised by Abdul Ningi, the Senator representing Bauchi Central. Ningi, also the Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, claimed that the National Assembly had deliberated and passed a budget of N25 trillion for the year 2024, contrary to the N28.7 trillion being implemented by the Federal Government.
Ningi’s statement was made during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, highlighting discrepancies between the budget figures discussed within the Senate and the actual figures implemented by the government.
Oshiomhole’s comments shows the seriousness of the situation, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability within the Senate’s proceedings and budget deliberations.
The unfolding debate emphasizes on the need for clarity and integrity in the budgetary processes within the Senate, as allegations of padding and discrepancies in figures threaten public trust and confidence in governmental institutions.
According to Oshiomhole: “We have been stripped naked in the market place, so we can’t now wrap it up like it’s nothing”
“He has made credible contributions in this Senate so I think he can still remedy it having agreed that something went wrong.”
“What was the figure in the Appropriation Bill that was approved? Somebody answered N28 billion, therefore, any suggestion that it was N25 billion is simply a lie.”
“The problem of trying to defend a lie is that you have to stick to more lies to defend lies”
“Ningi has a duty to his children that he will not be the man reported in the media as saying what is not true.”