Budget Padding: CSO Decries Attempts To Undermine Legislative Oversight

Amid the controversy surrounding alleged budget padding within the National Assembly, a civil society organisation (CSO), Save Nigeria Forum (SNF), has condemned what it perceived as attempts by certain opposition groups to undermine the critical oversight role of the legislative arm of government.

SNF expressed deep concern over the surge of unfounded accusations and efforts to tarnish the integrity of the National Assembly, particularly on alleged instances of budget padding.

 Such actions, according to the SNF, not only jeopardize the credibility of the legislative institution but also pose a threat to the foundational principles of democracy upon which Nigeria is built.

The position of the CSO is contained in a press statement it issued in Abuja and jointly signed by its convener, Abdul Ahmed and executive director, Mansur Adegbite.

Reaffirming the constitutional mandate of the National Assembly to scrutinise executive proposals and ensure transparency in the allocation of public funds, the SNF acknowledges the indispensibility of robust oversight mechanisms in fostering governmental accountability and nurturing public trust.

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The CSO lamented the exploitation of genuine concerns surrounding budgetary processes by certain opposition factions for political gain, cautioning against the dissemination of baseless accusations and the propagation of divisive narratives that risk eroding public confidence in democratic institutions.

SNF urged all stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organisations, and the media, to uphold the sanctity of democratic principles and refrain from engaging in actions detrimental to national unity and cohesion.

It called on the leadership of the National Assembly to remain steadfast in their dedication to serving the interests of the Nigerian populace and safeguarding democratic norms.

The SNF passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of  the senate president, Senator Godswill Akpabio and the speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, dismissing calls for their resignation as baseless and politically motivated.