CMPA Condemns Senate ‘Budget Padding’, Urges For Investigation
As well as calling for a comprehensive investigation of the upper chambers’ allegations against Senator Abdul Ningi, the Centre for Media, Policy and Accountability (CMPA) has expressed concern regarding the budget padding scandal rocking the Senate.
The lawmakers representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District and Chairman, Northern Senators Forum (NSF), recently told BBC Hausa that the lawmakers sought the service of a private auditor and discovered irregularities in the budget.
CMPA in a press statement, Thursday in Abuja, said the practice of budget padding undermines the very foundation of democratic governance by subverting the will of the people and diverting public resources for personal gain.
“CMPA is deeply troubled by recent revelations regarding budget padding within the Nigerian Senate. As an organisation committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and democratic governance in Nigeria, we cannot stand idly by while such egregious breaches of public trust occur.
“The practice of budget padding undermines the very foundation of democratic governance by subverting the will of the people and diverting public resources for personal gain. It erodes public confidence in our institutions’ integrity and perpetuates a corrupt culture that stifles economic development and social progress.
“We firmly believe that transparency is the cornerstone of good governance. Therefore, we call upon the Nigerian Senate to immediately launch a comprehensive investigation into these allegations and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
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“Furthermore, we urge the Senate to implement robust measures to prevent future occurrences of budget padding and ensure that the budgeting process is conducted with the utmost transparency and integrity.
“The recent suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi has brought this matter to the forefront and is quite worrisome as it looks as though the truth is being systematically silenced. The Senate, as a pillar of democracy, must address all allegations promptly and transparently.
“The integrity of the National Assembly of our dear nation is at stake, and the CMPA and other well-meaning Nigerians call for thorough investigations into allocations made to the National Assembly in the 2024 budget,” the statement read in part.
CMPA called for accountability and strict adherence to due process, adding that: “Executive Director of CMPA, Dr. Suleiman A Suleiman, emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in this issue.
“As we strive for a better Nigeria, we must vehemently reject any compromise on transparency in our institutions. Budget padding is a betrayal of the trust bestowed upon our elected representatives.”
The centre reaffirmed its commitment to work with all stakeholders to promote transparency, accountability, and democratic governance in Nigeria.
“We believe that we can only build a prosperous and equitable society for all Nigerians through collective action and unwavering dedication to the principles of transparency and accountability. We call on all citizens to join us in demanding accountability from our elected representatives and holding them to the highest standards of integrity and transparency.
“Together, we can build a Nigeria where the interests of the people are paramount and where corruption and impunity have no place in our democracy.”
