Budget Padding: Alterations by National Assembly Legal – Atiku Bagudu

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, has addressed concerns surrounding the National Assembly’s amendments to the 2024 budget, emphasizing their legality. Bagudu stated during a press briefing in Abuja that such alterations, which have been common practice since 1999, serve to accommodate constituency-specific projects.

The spotlight fell on the President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, amidst allegations of budget inflation amounting to N3.7 trillion, prompting calls for his resignation from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Notably, Senator Abdul Ningi, who initially raised concerns regarding budget padding, faced a three-month suspension by the Senate.

Responding to criticisms, Bagudu clarified that the amendments made by the National Assembly did not contravene any legal statutes. He underscored that while the President submits a budget bill, the final budget, enacted by the Assembly, holds the force of law. Bagudu elaborated on the various adjustments made by the Assembly, including revisions to the exchange rate and increased revenue contributions from Government Owned Enterprises.

Furthermore, Bagudu addressed misconceptions regarding undisclosed budget line items for statutory transfer agencies, citing constitutional provisions granting autonomy in budget formulation. Notable entities in this category include the National Judicial Council, Federal Capital Territory, Tertiary Education Trust Fund, and the Niger Delta Development Commission, among others.

Akpabio’s Tenure and Demands for Probe

Despite mounting pressure, Senator Godswill Akpabio garnered support from his colleagues, dismissing calls for his resignation. Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media, rebuked the PDP’s stance, defending Akpabio’s integrity and legislative competence.

Additionally, Senate Chief Whip, Ali Ndume, acknowledged the allocation of over N200 million for constituency projects to ten principal officers, underscoring leadership distinctions in fund allocation. Ndume’s remarks came amidst Senator Jarigbe Agom-Jarigbe’s disclosure of alleged disproportionate allocations to certain senators.

Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar weighed in on the controversy, demanding a comprehensive investigation into the budget padding allegations. Expressing concern over transparency issues within the 2024 Appropriation Act, Atiku emphasized the gravity of the situation amid Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges. He condemned Senator Ningi’s suspension and urged accountability in budgetary processes to uphold public trust and governance integrity.

Atiku concluded by stressing the constitutional mandate of the National Assembly to prioritize the nation’s welfare, cautioning against collusion with corrupt practices and urging steadfast action against fiscal malpractice.