President Bola Tinub addressed concerns surrounding the alleged padding of the 2024 budget, emphasizing that those accusing the budget of malicious embellishment lacked a proper understanding of the arithmetic involved.
Recall that Senator Abdul Ningi from Bauchi State alleged that the Senate inserted bogus projects worth N3 trillion into the 2024 budget. The Senator was suspended from the Senate as a result of the allegation and resigned as the chairman of the Northern Senators Forum over the same issue.
Speaking during a dinner to mark the breaking of the Ramadan fast with the Senate leadership at the State House in Abuja, Tinubu reaffirmed the integrity of the National Assembly in the budgetary process, asserting that their actions were transparent and above reproach.
Tinubu clarified, “Those alleging malicious embellishment in the budget lack understanding of the arithmetic and fail to consider the baseline of what I presented. However, your integrity remains intact.”
Expressing gratitude for the swift handling of the budget by the National Assembly, Tinubu acknowledged their cooperation in advancing the nation’s interests.
He stated, “I know the arithmetic of the budget and the numbers that I brought to the National Assembly, and I know what numbers came back. I appreciate all of you for the expeditious handling of the budget. Thank you very much,” he said, adding “I am grateful for what you have been doing.”
In response, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, assured the president of the Senate’s continuous collaboration, noting that regular interactions would enhance understanding and productive governance.