Senate disputes supplemental budget padding
Comment
The 10th Senate has strongly refuted claims of padding the recently passed supplementary budget, dismissing such reports as mischievous. The upper legislative chamber responded to online news outlets’ assertions that the executive arm of the government provided a “gift” of N70 billion, which was allegedly padded into the budget.
In a statement released on Sunday, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, expressed bewilderment at how such reports were formulated. He emphasized that the task of passing laws lies solely with lawmakers and that they require no gifts from the executive arm to carry out their responsibilities.
The statement clarified that the Supplementary Appropriation Act was passed to address crucial funding needs, including the Federal Government’s Palliative for the Nigerian public and other national requirements.
“It is important to note that the passage of this Act is an absolute constitutional duty of the Senate,” the statement asserted.
The Senate spokesperson further emphasized that they would not engage in disputes with those spreading mischief and misrepresentations regarding the N70 billion allocation in the Amendment Act, labeling it a “gift” to legislators.
Senator Adaramodu highlighted the pressing need for urgent attention to the infrastructure within the National Assembly complex, explaining that many senators had to bring their own furniture, and equipment, and perform necessary repairs.
He clarified that the allocation in question would not be paid to individual legislators but rather managed by the National Assembly bureaucracy. It was also noted that the complex accommodates not only legislators but also thousands of workers and service providers, whose working environments require improvement and essential tools.
Addressing the allegations of padding, Senator Adaramodu firmly stated that such claims exist only in the minds of those seeking to discredit the 10th Assembly. He urged fellow compatriots to view the National Assembly as partners in Nigeria’s progress.
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