In response to allegations made by Chairman of Northern Senators Forum, Senator Abdul Ningi, regarding the 2024 Appropriation Act, the Presidency has officially refuted the claims, labeling them as unsubstantiated. The statement, titled “The Facts About 2024 Budget,” was issued by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, the Presidency emphasized that the administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not operate two versions of the 2024 budget, as alleged by Senator Ningi. Rather, it was the National Assembly that increased the proposed budget from N27.5 trillion to N28.7 trillion, a decision to which the President assented.
Addressing concerns over divisive rhetoric, the Presidency expressed dismay at the unfounded claims, stressing that the government has always upheld equity across all regions of the country. It asserted that Tinubu, as a staunch democrat, would never engage in unconstitutional acts such as budget padding.
The statement clarified that President Tinubu presented a budget of N27.5 trillion to the National Assembly, and it was the National Assembly that increased the budget by N1.2 trillion. Despite the increase, the President signed the Appropriation Bill into law in the spirit of democracy.
Furthermore, the Presidency dismissed claims of the budget being anti-North, asserting that the 2024 budget was fair and equitable to all parts of the country. It highlighted the various sectors, including security, agriculture, healthcare, and infrastructure, where investments have been made across Nigeria.
The statement concluded by commending Senator Yemi Adaramodu and other senators for setting the record straight and urged Nigerians to focus on national cohesion and unity.
Meanwhile, the Senate Appropriation Committee held an emergency meeting to discuss the allegations raised by Senator Ningi. However, the planned media briefing was canceled, and further discussions will take place during the senate’s plenary session.
Several northern senators have criticized Ningi for his claims, describing them as unfounded and baseless. They emphasized the importance of maintaining unity and harmony among senators from all regions, cautioning against attempts to disrupt the budget process.
