By Cynthia Abah
During a Ramadan Iftar gathering with Senators at the State House in Abuja, President Tinubu addressed the allegations of irregularities in the budget legislative process, dismissing them as misinformed. He emphasized his familiarity with the figures presented to the Senate and the eventual approval, affirming the integrity of the Senators and their contributions to his administration.
Tinubu refuted claims of budget padding, asserting that the arithmetic behind the budget figures was misunderstood by those making the allegations. He praised the Senators for their integrity and thanked them for their ongoing support.
The controversy stemmed from Senator Ningi’s assertion in a BBC Hausa interview that the National Assembly passed a budget of N25 trillion for the 2024 fiscal year, contradicting the N28.7 trillion implemented by the federal government. This statement led to criticism from Nigerians, particularly directed at Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In response to the allegations, SaharaReporters revealed the suspension of Senator Ningi for three months by the Senate, citing accusations of budget padding.
