Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu has voiced his support for the suspension of Bauchi senator, Senator Abdul Ningi, following allegations of budget padding.
Tinubu refuted the accusations, stating that those making claims of malicious embellishment in the 2024 budget lack an understanding of its arithmetic.
Addressing the issue during a special Iftar with the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and other senators at the State House in Abuja, Tinubu emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the National Assembly.
He expressed gratitude for the Senate’s efficient handling of the budget, asserting that he was familiar with the numbers he presented and what was ultimately passed.
Tinubu further assured Nigerians that the nation’s current security and economic challenges would soon be overcome, expressing confidence in the ability to surmount these obstacles. He highlighted improvements in revenue and urged better expenditure management to navigate the economic difficulties.
Tinubu stated, “I know the arithmetic of the budget and the numbers that I brought to the National Assembly, and I know what numbers came back. I appreciate all of you for the expeditious handling of the budget. Thank you very much.
“Those who are talking about malicious embellishment in the budget; they did not understand the arithmetic and did not refer to the baseline of what I brought. But your integrity is intact.
“I am grateful for what you have been doing. The natural challenge we are facing will be over. On the current economic difficulty, we are about turning the corner.“Our revenue has improved. All we have to do is to control expenditure and manage ourselves better. Light is at the end of the tunnel, and Nigerians will soon smile again,” Tinubu added.
Recall that Senator Ningi was suspended for three months after he accused Senator Akpabio of inserting projects worth N3.7 trillion into the 2024 budget.
Additionally, Ningi alleged that Tinubu was implementing a separate budget from the one passed by the National Assembly.
