Senate Erupts in Chaos Over Budget Padding Allegations

Senate Erupts in Chaos Over Budget Padding Allegations

A chaotic scene unfolded in the Senate as Senator Jarigbe Jarigbe (PDP, Cross-River North) revealed during a heated debate on Tuesday that all ranking senators received a sum of N500 million each. The disclosure came amidst discussions on a motion of privilege raised by Senator Olamilekan Adeola against Senator Abdul Ningi over his recent interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation (Hausa Services).

Senator Ningi’s interview with the BBC Hausa Service alleged a stark disparity between the budget passed by the National Assembly for the 2024 fiscal year (N25 trillion) and the one implemented by the Presidency (N28.7 trillion). He claimed that a significant portion of this difference, approximately N3 trillion, was inserted into the budgets for projects without clear locations, marking it as the highest instance of budget padding in Nigerian history under the watch of Senator Akpabio.

Ningi emphasized the need for urgent action, declaring the issue as a national concern that transcends political affiliations or ethnic divides. However, Senator Jarigbe countered Ningi’s claims, stating that the missing N3.7 trillion had already been clarified under Government Owned Enterprises and first line charge expenditures.

Amidst the ongoing deliberations, Jarigbe dropped a bombshell by revealing that all ranking senators, himself excluded, received N500 million each. This revelation sent shockwaves through the Senate chamber, sparking a rowdy session as senators grappled with the implications of such allegations.

The Senate’s tumultuous atmosphere underscored the gravity of the situation, as senators confronted each other over the contentious issue of budget padding and allegations of financial impropriety.