Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, falsely claimed that the Federal Government is operating two versions of the 2024 budget. However, this allegation is unfounded and misleading.
The National Assembly debated and passed the N25 Trillion as the 2024 budget, not the N28.7 Trillion being implemented by the Federal Government. President Tinubu presented a budget of N27.5 Trillion to the joint session of the National Assembly on November 29, 2023, which was widely reported. He did not present a budget of N25 Trillion.
The National Assembly increased the amount proposed by the Executive by N1.2 Trillion, but President Tinubu did not withhold his assent to the Appropriation Bill as passed by the National Assembly.
If the budget figure was increased and made to be different from what the Executive proposed, it was the National Assembly that jacked it up in exercise of its power of appropriation.
The 2024 budget was not anti-North, as it was fair and equitable to every part and segment of Nigeria. The North is well covered in all areas, from security to agriculture, healthcare to education, and other important infrastructure such as roads, rail, dams, power, and irrigation projects.
It is concerning that a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria can employ such primordial antics to fuel divisive rhetoric at a time when well-meaning Nigerians are joining hands with President Tinubu to raise the spirit of national cohesion, unity, and inclusive politics.
Senators Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, and Senators Steve Sunday Karimi (Kogi), Titus Tartenger Zam (Benue), and Kaka Sheu (Borno) have come out against the misrepresentation of facts by Senator Ningi.
President Tinubu is a firm believer in the rule of law and constitutional democracy, and he will not engage in any unconstitutional action or act that assaults the Constitution of Nigeria by operating any budget outside the one approved by the National Assembly.