Connect with us

latest

N3.7trn Budget Padding Controversy: NASS Faces Fresh Integrity Crisis

Published

on

N3.7trn Budget Padding Controversy: NASS Faces Fresh Integrity Crisis....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Nigerian Senate was plunged into a tumultuous session on Tuesday as it grappled with allegations of budget padding raised by Senator Abdul Ningi, sparking a fresh integrity crisis for the National Assembly……….CONTINUE READING

Throughout Nigeria’s democratic history since 1999, the legislative arm, particularly the Senate, has been embroiled in numerous controversies, and the current 10th National Assembly is no exception. The latest uproar revolves around allegations of padding the 2024 National Appropriation Act by a staggering N3.7 trillion.

Although both the presidency and the legislative branch have vehemently denied these allegations, they have shed light on opaque and unjustified financial allocations to the National Assembly, further eroding its credibility.

Amidst the controversy, Senator Jarigbe disclosed on the Senate floor that certain senators purportedly received N500 million each from the 2024 budget. This revelation adds fuel to the fire of suspicion surrounding budgetary practices in the Senate.

Senator Ningi, who chairs the Senate Committee on Population and represents Bauchi Central, initially brought the allegations to light. He pointed out glaring disparities in budget allocations across senatorial districts, raising questions about fairness and transparency.

However, Senator Ningi faced pushback from his colleagues, with Senator Opeyemi Bamidele accusing him of orchestrating a “civilian coup” to unseat the Senate President. Bamidele’s impassioned defense underscored the entrenched divisions within the Senate over the budget controversy.

Meanwhile, Seun Onigbinde of Budgit corroborated Senator Ningi’s claims regarding the lack of detailed project allocations in the 2024 Appropriation Act. While acknowledging discrepancies in budgetary transparency, Onigbinde urged for greater accountability in government spending.

Public Affairs Analyst Nduka Odo echoed similar sentiments, calling for systemic reforms to curb corruption and protect whistleblowers like Senator Ningi from retaliation.

In light of these revelations, the integrity of the Senate has come under intense scrutiny, with many Nigerians expressing disillusionment and outrage over the perceived mismanagement of public funds. As the Senate grapples with this latest crisis, calls for transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s legislative branch grow louder than ever.

latest

Security Breach: Osun Accord Party Chairman Critically Injured After Vicious Late-Night Attack

Published

on

Asimiyu Ajibola, the Accord Party (AP) Chairman for Osogbo Local Government Area in Osun State, is fighting for his life following a targeted shooting on Wednesday night in Osogbo.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Ajibola, widely known as Baba Isila, was ambushed along with his associates around 9:50 pm near the Community Bank in the MDS area. Eyewitnesses reported that suspected gunmen opened fire on a blue Toyota Corolla carrying Ajibola and his friends.

One occupant of the vehicle described the terrifying ordeal, stating that the attackers chased their car while firing repeatedly. They managed to drive to the Dugbe Divisional Police Headquarters for refuge, after which the assailants fled the scene.

Ajibola sustained severe injuries in the attack and was immediately rushed to the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, where he remains in critical condition.

The Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, strongly condemned the violence and demanded a swift, thorough investigation. He stressed that the attack appeared to have political undertones and urged the police to act professionally and impartially to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Continue Reading

latest

“Your Anger Is Misplaced!”: Oby Ezekwesili Exposes The Danger Of Shifting Accountability.to Pastor Adeboye

Published

on

Former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, has called on Nigerians to stop targeting the general overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Enoch Adeboye, with their frustrations regarding the state of the nation. She contends that the clergyman is being incorrectly singled out and is not to blame for Nigeria’s current difficulties.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Ezekwesili emphasized the following points in her statement:

  • She characterized Adeboye as a humble servant of God who has spent his life advocating for peace and national development.

  • While acknowledging that many Nigerians want religious leaders to be more vocal in demanding government accountability, she maintained that Adeboye has consistently offered prayers and spoken up for the nation.

  • She explained that long-standing issues—such as systemic corruption, economic hardship, and insecurity—have left Nigerians exhausted and deeply distrustful of politicians, institutions, and influential figures.

  • She warned that the country has a tendency to prioritize less significant issues rather than addressing urgent national crises.

  • Ezekwesili noted that while Adeboye typically responds to criticism with “dignified silence,” she felt compelled to speak publicly to refocus attention on the “urgency of this moment” and the core issue: the need for religious leaders to help rescue the nation from “ineffectual, corrupt, and selfish politicians”.

Continue Reading

latest

Power And Protest: Aso Villa Under Guard As Nation Demands Answers For Captive Pupils And Teachers.

Published

on

Early Thursday morning, heightened security measures were implemented around the Presidential Villa in Abuja in anticipation of a protest regarding the continued abduction of students and teachers by terrorists. A wide array of security forces—including the military, police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and the Vigilante Group of Nigeria—were stationed at key locations.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The security operation led to significant disruptions, including:

  • Checkpoints and barricades were established on major roads leading to the Villa, restricting both vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

  • Many employees were unable to reach their workplaces due to these movement restrictions.

  • Heavy traffic congestion occurred along the corridors of the Supreme Court, the National Assembly, and the Federal Secretariat, leaving many commuters stranded and forcing others to find alternative routes.

The demonstration, organized by human rights activist and African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore alongside the Take It Back Movement, was planned to begin at Eagle Square before moving toward the Presidential Villa. The primary goal of the protest is to demand the immediate release of all victims kidnapped nationwide. Furthermore, organizers have called for President Bola Tinubu to either ensure the safety and release of the captives or resign, citing a perceived failure of the government to protect citizens. This protest reflects growing public outcry regarding the frequency of school attacks and kidnappings, as well as a broader demand for increased accountability and improved security across Nigeria.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2023 NIVONEWS