‘Those Talking about Malicious Embellishment Didn’t Understand the Arithmetic’ – Tinubu

During a Ramadan Iftar gathering at the State House in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu addressed the contentious issue surrounding the alleged ‘padding’ of the 2024 Appropriations Act by Nigerian Senate members. Amidst the breaking of the Muslim fast with lawmakers, the President dismissed the claims of irregularities in the budgetary process as a case of misinformation.

President Tinubu expressed his confidence in the integrity and arithmetic accuracy of the budget figures he had presented to the Senate, as well as what was eventually approved. He indicated that the allegations of budget padding stemmed from a lack of understanding of the budget details he had submitted. “I am aware of the figures I submitted to the Senate, and I know what I received back. Those alleging embellishment in the budget lack an understanding of the arithmetic and did not refer to the detailed line items I proposed. However, I am grateful for your integrity and the support you have provided since the start of my administration,” he stated.

The controversy took root following an interview by Senator Ningi with BBC Hausa, where he highlighted a discrepancy between the National Assembly’s approved budget of N25 trillion and the N28.7 trillion being implemented by the federal government. This claim sparked debates within the Senate and attracted criticism from the Nigerian public, particularly under the scrutiny of Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio’s leadership.

In response to the unfolding drama, Sahara Reporters revealed last week that the Senate had decided to suspend Senator Ningi for three months due to his allegations. This move has been perceived by some as an attempt to stifle dissent within the ranks, raising questions about the transparency and accountability mechanisms within Nigeria’s legislative process. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how these allegations will influence the relationship between the executive and legislative branches and what measures will be taken to address the concerns raised.

Sahara Reporters