Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has dismissed allegations that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) submitted two different versions of its 2025 budget to the National Assembly.
Tensions flared during the police budget defence session on Thursday, as lawmakers clashed over discrepancies between the presentation and the documents circulated among them.
The Controversy
The incident unfolded when IGP Egbetokun was breaking down allocations for constructing five zonal police headquarters. Midway through his presentation, Mark Esset, a House of Representatives member from Akwa Ibom, interrupted, questioning why the details being read were not in the documents provided to lawmakers.
Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi of Ebonyi North further criticized the session, arguing that he should have access to the same version of the budget being presented. “We are here to serve Nigerians, and Nigerians should see us as a serious institution,” he said.
Despite attempts to explain the situation, Nwebonyi’s concerns were overruled by Abubakar Yalleman, Chair of the House Committee on Police Affairs. Frustrated, Nwebonyi left the session, exchanging heated words with House members as he exited.
Yusuf Gagdi, a Plateau State representative, expressed disappointment, emphasizing that established parliamentary procedures allow the presenter to finish uninterrupted once given the floor.
IGP’s Clarification
In a statement issued on Friday by Muyiwa Adejobi, the police spokesperson, the IGP described the incident as “unnecessary and avoidable.” Egbetokun clarified that two versions of the budget presentation—a comprehensive and an abridged version—were shared with committee members before the session.
He explained that the committee had unanimously agreed to have him present the abridged version since all members had access to both documents.
“Distinguished Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, who arrived late, began referencing the comprehensive version while the IGP presented the abridged version,” the statement noted. “Despite explanations from other committee members about the earlier agreement, the senator refused to listen and abruptly left the session.”
Call for Better Funding
Amid the drama, IGP Egbetokun reiterated the urgent need for adequate funding of the Nigeria Police Force and advocated for an end to the envelope budgeting system, which he described as inadequate for the force’s operational needs.
The EFCC continues to stress the importance of decorum in parliamentary proceedings, urging lawmakers to prioritize constructive engagements to enhance governance.
