Budget Padding Allegations: Senate President Akpabio Addresses Concerns

In a heated session on Tuesday, Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed deep concern over the damage inflicted on the integrity of the Senate following Senator Abdul Ningi’s recent interview. Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, alleged that the National Assembly approved a budget of N25 trillion for 2024, diverging from the N28.7 trillion implemented by the federal government.

Akpabio addressed the issue during an open session on the Senate floor, highlighting the negative impact on the Parliament’s reputation. He stated, “Nigerians are bashing the Senate. The integrity of this chamber has been totally damaged, and we wanted you to repair it with your speech.”

Akpabio criticized Ningi for granting a follow-up interview where he seemingly justified his initial claim of budget padding. He expressed disappointment, stating, “I don’t know how you rushed to the press carrying different versions. The social media is very fast. From Canada, the United States, everywhere, the story was budget padding by the Senate.”

Refuting the allegations, Akpabio clarified that President Tinubu presented a budget proposal of N27.5 trillion to the National Assembly last November. He also dismissed rumors that the President presented a budget estimate of N25 trillion, a clarification already made by the presidency.