There seems to be uncertainty in the Senate over the 2024 budget as the Northern Senators Forum (NSF) has reportedly hired a consultant to review the figures of the Appropriation.
The BBC Hausa service on Saturday quoted Senator Abdul Ningi, Chairman of the NSF, as alleging that the federal government was operating a N28trillion budget, contrary to the N25trillion passed by the National Assembly.
The BBC report alleged that Senator Ningi said, “For the first time in Nigerian history, today we are operating two different budgets. One budget was approved by the National Assembly signed by President Bola Tinubu and the one implemented by the Presidency.
“The one approved by us is ₦25 trillion while the one operated by the Federal Government is ₦28 trillion.
“Apparently we discovered ₦3 trillion was inserted into the budgets without locations. This is the highest budget padding that happened in Nigerian history under Sen Akpabio’s watch.
“We resolved as people Representatives to see President Tinubu on this issue, with facts and figures, to ask him if he is aware of this embarrassment or not, then from there we will take action. Let Nigerians be patient with us.
“This is a national issue, it affects all Nigerians in respect of party, tribe or religion.”
Recall, however, that the N27.5trn ‘Renewed Hope’ budget for 2024 passed second reading at the Senate.
It has since been referred to the Committee on Appropriations after a voice vote by the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session.
The Committee is Chaired by Senator Solomon Adeola (APC Ogun West).
Speaking over the phone with Daily Independent, Senator Patrick Ndubueze (Imo North) said “I don’t have the knowledge of such a report or rumour. Until they bring it to our knowledge we can now know the truth.
“I heard the northern Senators hired a consultant to look into the budget. But we have not done that. The Igbos or Southeast has not done so. So, if the comment is because they have a consultant or a consultant-review of the budget. For us, we don’t have a consultant and we have not reviewed the budget yet.”
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