FG backs N’Assembly on budget oversight
The Federal Government has waded into the controversy of the alleged budget padding by the 10th National Assembly.
The lawmaker representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District, Abdul Ningi, had alleged last week that the N28.7trn 2024 Appropriation Act was padded to the tune of N3.7trn by the legislature.
He noted that his findings revealed no tangible projects linked to the amount injected into the budget by lawmakers.
During Tuesday’s plenary session, Ningi stood his ground and refused to tender an apology to his colleagues; a development that led to his suspension for a period of three months.
Wading into the matter, the Federal Government through the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, stated that the federal lawmakers did no wrong, adding that while the right to transmit a budget was that of the executive arm, the legislature must thoroughly scrutinise same and make appropriate input.
The Minister who spoke at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday was quoted as saying, “The president submitted a budget to the tune of N27.5trn and the National Assembly, in its wisdom, increased it to N28.7trn. When we presented the budget, it was at an exchange rate of N750 to a dollar, but the Assembly increased it to N800 to a dollar. That created more revenue.
“The Assembly also appropriated that the Government Owned Enterprises contribute more revenue. Then there was the increase of the budget of the judiciary, legislature and executive.
“The President in signing the 2024 Appropriation Act acknowledged that in democracy, institutions have their power, and the National Assembly has the last word.
“The evolution of constituency projects and projects by National Assembly members, which did not begin now but since 1999, is a reflection of the challenge that elected persons are facing.”
In a trip down memory lane, Bagudu recalled how former president late Umaru Yar’Adua, had approached the Supreme Court to seek the interpretation of Section 80 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), lamenting that the case was later settled out of court.
He continued, “There has been a long debate, and a former president went up to the Supreme Court to define the appropriation power of the executive and the National Assembly. Later, there was an out-of-court settlement.
“Till now, this issue has not been resolved. So, what is the power of the National Assembly as regards the budget? There is no Supreme Court judgment, and the choice of our democracy is that the National Assembly has the last word. Even when they pass an appropriation that assent is refused, after 30 days it becomes law.”
On whether the National Assembly has the powers to increase budget estimates, the former Kebbi State Governor simply said “Yes,” maintaining that it is all part of the checks and balances provided for in the presidential system of government.
Highly placed Nigerians, including former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, and constitutional lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, have faulted the suspension of Ningi, insisting that rather than sanctioning him, the Godswill Akpabio-led Senate should have set up a committee to investigate the allegations.
