The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar, has called for a thorough investigation into the allegation of budget padding to the tune of N3.7 trillion raised by suspended Bauchi Central senator, Abdul Ningi.
Atiku said Ningi’s suspension can’t silence the allegation of fiscal corruption in the Senate.
Posting on X, the former Vice President said the denial of the allegation is unacceptable.
According to Atiku: “Over the past few days, allegations have rocked the Senate, questioning the very integrity of the 2024 Appropriation Act, the cornerstone of our nation’s annual planning and development.
“A fiscal policy analytics and advocacy organization has unequivocally confirmed a disturbing lack of transparency within the 2024 Appropriation Act.
“Furthermore, the sudden suspension of the whistle-blower Senator, without adequate explanation, has only fueled the crisis, leaving us with more questions than answers.
“I demand an immediate and thorough investigation into these allegations. Appropriation lies at the heart of governance, and any deviation from serving the people’s interests will be met with fierce opposition.
“Denials are unacceptable, and the suspension of one senator cannot silence accusations of corruption and illegal fiscal spending by the federal government.
“Without a clear explanation to the people of Nigeria, we must treat these allegations for what they are: outright fraud.
“The accusation of budget padding totaling N3 trillion cannot be dismissed lightly by the government.
“Given the current hardships facing our nation, a padded budget is already translating to a padded hunger, padded poverty, padded insecurity, padded energy crises, padded forex instability, and the soaring cost of living.
“The people of Nigeria cannot afford to ignore allegations that worsen our already dire economic situation.”