The Conference Of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) along with over 75 allied civil society organizations have jointly demanded a thorough investigation into the allegations of budget padding raised by the 48-member Northern Senators Forum, chaired by Senator Abdul Ningi.
In a statement co-signed by the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of CNPP, Comrade James Ezema, and the National Secretary of the coalition of CSOs, Alhaji Ali Abacha, the organizations urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure a proper investigation into the matter. They specifically called on the President of the Senate, Senator Akpabio, to step aside pending the outcome of the investigation.
Senator Ningi, in a BBC Hausa interview, alleged discrepancies between the operational budget version and the one passed by lawmakers in December 2023. He disclosed that he and other senators in the forum had engaged a consultant to investigate the alleged budget padding.
Expressing concern over the timing of the allegations amidst severe economic challenges faced by Nigerians, the group emphasized the need for accountability. They called on the President of the Senate to step aside to allow for an unhindered investigation, stressing that failure to comply within 14 days would result in mobilizing citizens to occupy the National Assembly until their demands are met.
The organizations urged President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action to end the era of budget padding, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in governance.
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