The Senate has refuted claims regarding the alleged padding of the 2024 budget by over N4 trillion. The budget of N28.7 trillion was passed by the Senate on December 30, 2023, marking an increase of N1.2 trillion from the initial N27.5 trillion presented by President Bola Tinubu to the joint session of the National Assembly on November 29 of the same year.
Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, issued a statement in Abuja to provide clarification on the matter. He emphasized that the budget underwent a transparent process before being signed by President Tinubu. Adaramodu reiterated that the Senate had no knowledge of any altered version of the budget and maintained its commitment to transparency and accountability.
The dismissal of reports regarding budget padding reaffirms the Senate’s adherence to due process and accountability in fiscal matters. The statement aims to dispel any misconceptions or doubts regarding the integrity of the budgetary process.
By addressing the issue promptly and unequivocally, the Senate seeks to uphold public trust and confidence in its legislative functions. It underscores the importance of transparency and accuracy in the governance process, particularly concerning matters as crucial as the national budget.
Moving forward, the Senate remains committed to conducting its duties with integrity and diligence, ensuring that legislative processes uphold the interests of the Nigerian people and promote good governance.
The statement read: “There is no budget padding as far as the Senate and the National Assembly are concerned. The National budget is a public document that explicitly states the expected revenue and expenditure of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
“The Senate, under the leadership of Senator Godswill Akpabio, is not aware of any altered execution of the 2024 appropriation mandate, as approved.”
“The budget presentation and approval processes were conducted in the public eye, and the Presidential assent was also part of a public ceremony.”
“Any infractions would have been brought before the Senate, if any.”
“The general public should rest assured that there is no budget padding anywhere, and we are confident that the 2024 appropriation law shall be strictly executed under strict legislative oversight.”