Atiku calls for immediate, thorough investigation on N3.7 trillion budget padding allegations, says failure to do so will…  

Atiku calls for immediate, thorough investigation on N3.7 trillion budget padding allegations, says failure to do so will…

 

 

Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections, has called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the allegations that a staggering N3.7 trillion was discreetly inserted into the 2024 budget.

 

In a statement issued on Thursday on his verified X account sighted by News Week Nigeria, the former vice president said that any deviation from serving the people’s interests will be met with fierce opposition.

 

He wrote:

“Over the past few days, allegations have rocked the Senate,  the cornerstone of our nation’s annual planning and development.”

 

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“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 can not 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 can not 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 can not afford to ignore allegations that worsen our already dire economic situation.”

 

“The current federal government has a disgraceful track record of ignoring issues of transparency and due process in public administration.”

 

“The unresolved $3.3 billion NNPCL loan repayment scandal, with Nigeria now expected to repay $12 billion, remains a glaring example.”

 

“The Tinubu administration must address these high-profile corruption cases transparently.”

 

“The National Assembly, as the elected representatives of the people, are constitutionally obligated to legislate for the peace, order, and good governance of our nation, without colluding with corrupt elements.”

 

“Failure to do so and persisting in denial will only confirm the government’s complicity in official malpractice.-AA”