Northern Senators Forum Rejects Budget Padding Allegations, Pledge Loyalty to Tinubu
Senators from 19 Northern states have distanced themselves from claims of budget padding made by Bauchi Central Senator, Abdul Ningi. The Northern senators affirmed their loyalty to President Bola Tinubu in a statement signed by Senators Iyal Abbas from Adamawa, Ibrahim Bomoi from Yobe, Abdullahi Yar’ Adua, and four others.
In the statement, the Senators clarified that they are not in agreement with Ningi’s remarks, stating that his views were his personal opinion and not representative of the Northern Senators Forum (NSF). They emphasized that there was never a meeting where Ningi was mandated to address the press on the 2024 budget.
The Senators highlighted that the budget presented to the National Assembly by President Tinubu was diligently debated, processed, and passed by both chambers. They noted that the budget initially presented as N27.5 trillion was later passed as N28.7 trillion to address critical projects and services across various sectors.
The statement refuted Ningi’s claim that the budget presented by Mr President was N25 trillion, stating that there was no budget padding done to the 2024 budget. They emphasized their solidarity with President Tinubu and their commitment to working with colleagues from the southern part of the country to move Nigeria forward.
The Senators stressed the need for collaboration and unity to bring prosperity to Nigeria, urging against ethnic sentiments. They concluded by affirming their support for President Tinubu and their dedication to addressing the challenges facing the country for the benefit of all citizens.
The statement from the Northern Senators Forum comes amidst political tensions and controversies surrounding the budget process, highlighting the importance of unity and cooperation in Nigeria’s political landscape.
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