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N3.7trn budget padding controversy: NASS faces fresh integrity crisis

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The Senate’s Tuesday session became turbulent as it discussed allegations of budget padding brought up by Senator Abdul Ningi.

Nigeria’s National Assembly, particularly the Senate, has a history of controversies, a trend that has persisted since the nation’s transition to democracy in 1999.

The 10th National Assembly continues this trend, with the latest controversy involving claims of padding the 2024 National Appropriation Act by N3.7 trillion. Despite denials from both the presidency and legislative branch, this issue has shed light on opaque financial allocations to the National Assembly, raising doubts about its integrity.

During the heated debate, Senator Jarigbe disclosed that some senators purportedly received N500 million each from the 2024 budget. This revelation, made on the Senate floor, adds to the ongoing scrutiny of budgetary processes.

Senator Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, initially raised the alarm about the alleged padding, which sparked the controversy. He questioned the fairness of budget allocations across different senatorial districts and challenged the transparency of Senate leadership’s expenditures.

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These controversies have fueled calls to reduce the National Assembly’s budget, with critics arguing that lawmakers aren’t delivering commensurate results.

The National Assembly’s past controversies include amendments to the 2022 supplementary budget, which allocated N70 billion for lawmakers’ working conditions, drawing criticism from the public.

Additionally, the purchase of new SUVs for lawmakers further stirred public outrage amid economic hardship.

Senator Akpabio’s inadvertent revelation of funds sent to senators during recess added fuel to the controversy, highlighting issues of fiscal transparency and accountability within the National Assembly.

Former President Buhari’s concerns about budget padding further underscore the recurring nature of such controversies, with recent revelations by Senator Ningi reigniting debates over fiscal integrity and legislative accountability.

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The unfolding drama in the Senate has drawn mixed reactions, with some defending the institution’s integrity, while others view the allegations as symptomatic of broader systemic issues. Calls for transparency and accountability within the National Assembly persist amidst ongoing debates and revelations.

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Teachers’ Day: Oyebanji rewards 2 disabilities educators with N500,000

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Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has honored two teachers in the disability sector with cash awards of 500,000 naira each.

The governor made the gesture during the celebration of the Teachers’ Day in the state.

Mrs Adetoun Agboola, Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, hailed the governor’s commitment to inclusion.

Agboola emphasized that the recognition serves as a morale booster for the teachers, marking the first time such a gesture has been made during the Teachers’ Day celebration in the state.

“The recognition of these teachers, who work tirelessly with children with disabilities, highlights Governor Oyebanji’s dedication to inclusivity.

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“Over the past year, these educators have faced immense challenges, adapting to new teaching tools, increased documentations, and rigorous preparation before delivering their lessons. Their hard work has clearly paid off, and today’s honor reflects their unwavering commitment,” Agboola said.

She added that the awards signal that the voices of teachers working within the disability community have been heard, reinforcing the governor’s pledge to support the community in the state.

The theme of this year’s celebration is “Valuing Teachers’ Voices:Towards a New Social Contract For Education”.

CREDIT: DAILY POST

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Nigerian Govt initiates repairs on failed portions of Abuja-Kaduna dual carriageway

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Emergency repairs on failed sections of the Abuja-Kaduna Dual Carriageway has been initiated by the Federal Ministry of Works to improve conditions for road users.

A statement on Sunday by the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed, explained that the contractor mobilised to the site on October 2, 2024.

According to Ahmed, the contract for Section I of the Expressway spans from kilometre 0 + 00 (Zuba, FCT) to kilometre 31 + 200 (Tafa, Niger/Kaduna States’ border), with a completion timeline of two weeks.

He further explained that the scope of the contract includes patching existing potholes and reinstating critically failed sections of the roadway, saying that the approved contract sum is N366 million.

Ahmed added, “During an inspection tour of the project on Saturday, the Director of Highways for North Central Zone I, Mohammed Goni, and the Director of Special Projects (North), Olufemi Adetunji, urged the contractor to comply strictly with the contract terms and no extensions to the completion period will be granted.”

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The statement noted that Goni described the road as a vital artery for connecting the Northern and Southern regions of the country, underscoring its role as a catalyst for economic growth.

He assured Nigerians that upon successful completion of the contract, further repairs on the remaining failed sections from Tafa to Kaduna would be awarded.

Mr Lawrence Emmanuel, the Project Supervisor, explained that work is progressing with the cutting and shaping of the failed portions extending to Dikko Junction in Niger State, stating that asphalting of the areas is expected to commence on Monday.

He observed that heavy traffic impeding work progress but assured of timely completion.

The Federal Controller of Works for FCT, Yakubu Usman, pledged daily inspections and diligent oversight of the project throughout its duration

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CREDIT: DAILY POST

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FG set to begin evacuation of Nigerians from Lebanon

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The Federal Government has announced that no Nigerian life has been lost in Lebanon amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

As Israel intensifies its airstrikes in Lebanon, the Nigerian government has commenced preparations to evacuate its citizens from the conflict zone.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, the government confirmed that the Nigerian Embassy in Lebanon has been actively working to ensure the safety of Nigerians.

The statement emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting its nationals during the crisis.

“The Federal Government has begun preparations to evacuate its citizens from Lebanon. It is pertinent to mention that no Nigerian life has been lost since the beginning of the conflict,” the statement read.

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The Ministry added that the Nigerian Embassy had previously advised citizens in Lebanon to voluntarily evacuate, with commercial flights still operational.

Those in southern Lebanon, where the fighting has been most intense, were relocated to safer areas, such as Beirut, with the help of community leaders.

The government reassured Nigerians that it is in contact with relevant stakeholders and is committed to ensuring the safe return of all its citizens.

This comes as the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalates, with Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah strongholds across Lebanon and ground troops conducting operations near the border.

The violence, which has continued for nearly a year, has now evolved into full-scale warfare.

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CREDIT: DAILY POST

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