Things appear to be falling apart for President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio over the alleged of N687billion padded into the Nigeria’s 2024 Budget of N27.5trillion.
Insiders revealed that Tinubu is allegedly angry that while Akpabio told him each of the 109 Senators and 360 Rep Members were getting N3billion and N1billion each for their Zonal Intervention Project Funds, ZIPF, making a total of N687billion padded into the 2024 budget, only N250million and N200million got to the Lawmakers.
Investigations further revealed that bulk of the funds which should have gone to the Lawmakers for ZIPF, were split into different agencies to be awarded as contracts to Akpabio’s friends and cronies.
For instance, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Chairman Senate Committee on Niger Delta, who is a lackey of Akpabio, used his position to ensure that most of the padded budget funds were rolled into the NDDC Budget yet to be passed.
More than half of the N1.9trillion 2024 NDDC Budget document currently in my possession are for projects in Akwa Ibom state where Akpabio has special interests.
The 2024 NDDC Budget which I am currently studying is one of the most scandalous piece of document I have ever seen.
Meanwhile, about 78 Senators have indicated interest to support the impeachment of Akpabio. Amongst them are the South West Caucus members who are only waiting for the go ahead of the President before they can proceed with the plan.
The escalating tensions between President Tinubu and Senate President Akpabio over the alleged budget manipulation in Nigeria’s 2024 fiscal plan reflect not just a singular instance of corruption but a pattern of abuse of due process within the National Assembly. This issue involves misappropriation of vast sums and alleged favoritism in project allocations, specifically related to unnecessary expenses on vehicles for presiding officers, clubhouse construction, clinic facilities, car parks, and extravagant running costs.
Here are key comparisons and additional layers to the controversy:
1. Misallocation and Misappropriation of Funds:
Both in the National Assembly budget and the broader 2024 budget, funds are reportedly diverted from their intended purposes. For example, almost N100 billion is said to have been misappropriated by Akpabio for constructing or upgrading facilities and purchasing vehicles for NASS members, which are seen as luxurious or unnecessary expenditures.
Similarly, the larger N687 billion budget padding was meant for Zonal Intervention Project Funds (ZIPF) but reportedly only a fraction reached lawmakers. The act was committed in collaboration with the two Appropriation committees Chairmen of both chambers Senator Adeola Olamilekan and Hon. Abubakar Bichi with Atiku Bagudu Minister of Budget. These funds, like the NASS budget items, were redirected into agencies or projects allegedly benefiting Akpabio’s allies or home state.
2. Favoritism in Budget Allocation:
A significant portion of funds has reportedly been rolled into the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) budget, with more than half directed to projects in Akwa Ibom State, Akpabio’s region. This mirrors the approach in the NASS budget where funds are allocated toward constructions and provisions that benefit presiding officers and members rather than broader, equitable development needs. Such allocations indicate potential favoritism, leveraging budgetary power for personal or regional gain.
3. Running Costs and Extravagant Expenditures:
The mention of excessive running costs adds another layer of controversy, as these funds likely cover day-to-day operations within the National Assembly, often seen as bloated or wasteful. The abuse of running costs, combined with funding for vehicles and facilities of questionable necessity, highlights an entrenched culture of excessive expenditure in Nigeria’s governance structures. This pattern of extravagance extends beyond individual projects and speaks to systemic inefficiencies in managing public resources.
4. Implications for Governance and Accountability:
The scale of the alleged misappropriations has generated calls for accountability, with around 78 senators reportedly considering impeachment proceedings against Akpabio. The implication is that these abuses may not be isolated incidents but part of broader governance issues requiring structural reform. If high-ranking officials manipulate budgets for personal or political gain, it undermines public trust and the integrity of budgetary processes. Now the Senate President is accusing the NSA Nuhu Ribadu of using the new DG Budget Office and the Senate Leader Bamidele Opeyemi of plotting to expose him and bring him down, just divert the President from taking necessary measures.
5. Impact on National Priorities:
In a country with substantial infrastructure and social service needs, these kinds of allocations can be particularly harmful. While lawmakers argue for funds for regional projects that could spur development, the redirection of such funds toward less impactful projects or personal expenditures detracts from addressing urgent national issues. This budget padding and misuse not only hinder economic growth but also detract from critical sectors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
The comparison between budget abuse in the National Assembly’s internal allocations and the wider 2024 budget highlights a recurring misuse of public funds. If unchecked, such practices could entrench a cycle of corruption, where personal or political interests consistently override genuine developmental needs. For Nigeria, where transparency and accountability are ongoing challenges, these allegations underscore the necessity for systemic reforms to restore public trust and ensure that budgets genuinely serve the people’s interests.
An intense altercation occurred between the Senate President and the Senate Leader immediately after plenary, creating a highly embarrassing scene. The confrontation escalated to the point where the Senate President nearly broke the door to his office in the White House wing of the Senate.
The disagreement stemmed from the appointment of a successor to the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah as Chairman of the lucrative Petroleum Downstream Committee. The Senate President announced Senator Kawu Sumaila of the NNPP as the substantive Chairman, bypassing Senator Ipinsagba Emmanuel Olajide from Ondo State, who was previously downgraded to Vice Chairman of the same committee.
This decision sparked outrage among South-West senators, led by the Senate Leader, who accused the leadership of marginalizing their region. They demanded the reinstatement of Senator Olajide as Chairman, but the Senate President, Senator Akpabio, refused to concede. The altercation intensified, with raised voices and visible frustration. At one point, the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi, reportedly broke down in tears.
This incident underscores the growing tensions and internal divisions within the Nigerian Senate, casting a shadow on the institution’s credibility. What a shameful episode for the nation’s legislative body!
(C) Niaraland
(C) leadnaija.com
