Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, has said the implementation of the 2024 budget is still ongoing.
He said the National Assembly agreed to extend its implementation period to avoid abandoned projects, particularly capital projects.
The federal lawmaker, who represents Ekiti South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, also played down the insinuations in some quarters that funds were being allocated to legislators to carry out contracts and execute projects in their constituencies.
Adaramodu, who chairs the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, stated these during a weekend chat with journalists at his country home in Ilawe Ekiti.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) explained the reason for the continued implementation of the 2024 budget. It said,” Without the extension, any unfinished project would lose funding once the fiscal year ended, forcing it to wait another year for inclusion in a new budget. The extension ensures contractors can complete ongoing projects and access their funds.”
The former House of Representatives member described the claim that lawmakers are collecting money for constituency projects as false: “No money is given to any Senator or House of Representatives member for contracts or projects, either constituency, political or regional unit or state.
“What happens is that legislators are allowed to nominate projects to different communities of our constituencies. Like in the Senate, it’s just up to about ₦225 million projects that we can nominate, but we do not receive the funds. The relevant ministries or agencies implement the projects. Legislators fill a form indicating the projects they want for our constituencies, such as hospital renovations or school construction”.
Speaking on the call for a new constitution, he said, “The National Assembly is already in place to make laws, look into constitution making or amendments. We urge our patriotic patriots to avail themselves of the opportunities that will be open to everyone.
“We welcome input from all Nigerian elders, professionals, political leaders, traditional rulers, youth groups, women’s groups, CSOs, and even Nigerians in the diaspora.
“Public hearings will be open, allowing everyone to present their views. The final document, whether an entirely new constitution or an amended one, will reflect the collective input of Nigerians, not just one group’s opinion.
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