JUST IN: Senate Speaks On Padding Supplementary Budget

The 10th Senate has strongly denied allegations that it manipulated the approved 2023 Supplementary budget, dismissing these claims as mischievous.

The legislative body responded to online news reports suggesting that an unjustified N70 billion was added as a “gift” from the executive branch in the supplementary budget.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, questioned the source of these reports.

He affirmed that lawmakers have the sole responsibility of legislating and do not require any executive “gifts” to carry out their duties.

The statement clarified that the Supplementary Appropriation Act was passed to support the Federal Government’s public palliative program and address other national needs.

It stated, “It should be noted that the passage is an absolute constitutional duty of the Senate.”

Therefore, we do not wish to engage in a debate with the malicious misrepresentation that a portion of the recently passed Amendment Act, which appropriated N70 billion, was a ‘gift’ to the legislators.”

Senator Adaramodu emphasized that a visit to the National Assembly complex would reveal the urgent need for attention.

Many senators have had to bring their own furniture, equipment, and carry out necessary repairs. He further explained that the allocation under discussion would not be paid directly to any legislator but would be managed by the National Assembly Bureaucracy.

Additionally, the complex is not solely occupied by legislators, but also by thousands of workers and service providers whose working environment requires improvement and essential tools.

Stating that the Assembly Complex does not belong solely to the legislators, but is a national institution, Senator Adaramodu argued that the allocation cannot be considered a palliative for the legislators. He dismissed allegations of padding in the palliative budget as purely imaginary and intended to discredit the 10th Assembly.

He urged fellow Nigerians to view the national assembly as partners in the progress of the country.