In a comprehensive response to recent allegations, Alhassan Doguwa, the Chairman of the Northern Caucus, vehemently refuted claims that President Bola Tinubu presented empty budget boxes before the National Assembly. Doguwa, addressing reporters in Kano, provided detailed insights into the budget presentation process. He clarified that President Tinubu had submitted a flash drive containing the complete budget well before the official presentation to the Joint Chambers.
Contrary to the mischievous insinuations circulating in the media, Doguwa emphasized that the President’s action was far from presenting empty boxes. The flash drive served as the soft copy of the 2023 budget, which was subsequently being printed out in hard copies. Doguwa assured the public that the Senators and Representatives were content with the presentation, guided effectively by the verbal elucidation provided by President Tinubu.
Furthermore, Doguwa dismissed the speculations as baseless, unfounded, and without merit. He attributed these claims to mischief makers and opposition members who habitually criticize the government, often lacking reasonable cause. Urging Nigerians to disregard such insinuations, Doguwa condemned the perpetrators as enemies of Nigeria’s progress.
In a forward-looking statement, Doguwa announced that the House Committee on Petroleum Upstream, of which he is also the Chairman, would commence budget defense sessions on the estimates of agencies under its supervision starting next week. This commitment underscores the transparency and accountability in the budgetary process, dispelling any unfounded rumors surrounding the budget presentation.
