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CSJ Raises Concerns over Tinubu’s Request to NASS for Approval of N500 Billion Fund for Palliatives
CSJ Raises Concerns over Tinubu’s Request to NASS for Approval of N500 Billion Fund for Palliatives
By: Michael Mike
Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), a Nigerian Knowledge Institution is deeply concerned about the request made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the National Assembly for an amendment to the 2022 Supplementary Appropriation Act.
The President has requested a substantial amount of N500 billion from the 2022 supplementary budget to provide palliatives aimed at cushioning the effect of fuel subsidy removal.
CSJ, in a statement on Thursday said it finds it disconcerting that such a request is being made in July, the seventh month of the 2023 financial year for an amendment to the previous year’s supplementary budget, stressing that this raises questions about the propriety of the timing and the potential impact on fiscal planning and budgetary processes.
It said it was wrong to implement and proposed virements from the 2022 federal budget in July of 2023, insisting that this rubbishes the idea of a financial year defined as the period commencing on January 1 and ending on the 31st of December of every year.
The CSJ said: “In fact, and in logical parlance, the Federal Government cannot be proposing to use the 2022 budget to alleviate the hardship arising from the fuel subsidy removal that was announced in the middle of 2023.
“We note that the President’s request lacks specificity and vital details regarding how the proposed N500 billion will be allocated, spent and utilized. Without specific information on the intended purpose, target beneficiaries, etc, this request violates S.81 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 199 as amended vis: “The heads of expenditure contained in the estimates (other than expenditure charged upon the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation by this Constitution) shall be included in a bill, to be known as an Appropriation Bill, providing for the issue from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the sums necessary to meet that expenditure and the appropriation of those sums for the purposes specified therein”.
The CSJ described the request as neither transparent nor accountable; and best described as unconstitutional.
The statement added that: “CSJ strongly urges the National Assembly to assert its constitutional power of appropriation and demand that the requested amount’s specifics and the planned utilization be sent to it for vetting before approval. It is crucial for the government to follow the rule of law, demonstrate transparency and accountability in financial matters, especially when dealing with significant amounts of public funds.
“We emphasize that Nigeria’s fiscal challenges require a long-term and strategic approach rather than ad hoc measures. Short-term fixes, like a sprint run, may provide temporary relief, but they do not address the root causes of our fiscal imbalances. A comprehensive policy framework and sustainable solutions are needed to ensure long-term stability and prosperity for all Nigerians.
“We urge the Federal Government to follow the Constitution, prioritize transparency, engage in inclusive decision-making processes, and pursue evidence-based policies that address the underlying issues affecting our economy.”
The CSJ said it this provide for the National Assembly an opportunity to stamp its authority and avoid being tagged early in the day, as a rubberstamp institution.
CSJ Raises Concerns over Tinubu’s Request to NASS for Approval of N500 Billion Fund for Palliatives
Gamawa commended Gov. Bala for the creation of additional emirates in Bauchi
By: Yahaya Wakili
His Royal Highness, the Emir of Gamawa in Bauchi State, Alhaji Adamu Abdulkadir Adamu, has commended His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammad A Kauran Daular Ussumaniyya, for the creation of additional emirates, chiefdoms, and districts statewide.
The emir made the commendation in an interview with Newsng in Sabon Garin Nangere, the headquarters of the Tikau emirate council of Yobe state, when he visited His Royal Highness, the Emir of Tikau, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammadu Ibn Grema II.
He said the strategic move by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammad, brings essential development projects, empowers local aspirations, and ensures inclusive growth reaches every corner of the grassroots.
The emir revealed that he was at the Tikau emirate council today to express his profound appreciation to the emir of Tikau, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammadu Ibn Grema II, for his support given to us since we were appointed as the emir of Gamawa, adding that Tikau and Gamawa have had a strong relationship for a long time.
He said, “Tikau and Gamawa share a common border, and also we are neighbors, and we have the history of the Tikau emirate for fostering unity, justice, and loving his people, as well as involving all stakeholders, and steadfastly upholding law and order in his domain.”
“Therefore, we are soliciting the support, advice, and cooperation of the emir and also strengthening our relationship to govern the people of the Gamawa emirate council fairly without bias or selfish interest, and we thank the emir for the hospitality rendered to him and members of his emirate council.
Gamawa commended Gov. Bala for the creation of additional emirates in Bauchi
Police sergeant arrested for supplying arms used in Nasarawa robbery
By: Zagazola Makama
A serving police sergeant has been arrested for allegedly supplying an AK-47 rifle used in an armed robbery attack in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Zagazola reliably informed by sources that the development followed the arrest of a robbery suspect, Justine Gbata, 30, of Doka Village, who was apprehended after gunmen attacked one Muhammad Danka of Ankoma Village and dispossessed him of his red Bajaj motorcycle.
The incident occurred at about 1:00 p.m. on Jan. 24, when the assailants, armed with an AK-47 rifle, fired several shots during the operation before fleeing into a nearby forest with the motorcycle.
“After the report, a combined team of police operatives, vigilantes and hunters pursued the attackers into the forest and arrested one suspect. Seven empty AK-47 shells were recovered at the scene,” the sources said.
They added that the suspect, who sustained injuries during the chase, was taken to General Hospital, Doma, for treatment.
“During interrogation, the suspect confessed that the rifle used for the robbery was supplied by a serving police sergeant attached to Daudu Division in Benue State,” the sources said.
The sergeant has since been identified and detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Benue for further investigation.
Police authorities said efforts were ongoing to arrest the remaining members of the gang and recover the stolen motorcycle, while investigations into the case continue.
Police sergeant arrested for supplying arms used in Nasarawa robbery
Police rescue couple, arrest five suspected kidnappers in Edo forest operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Police operatives in Edo State on Sunday rescued a couple kidnapped by armed men and arrested five suspected kidnappers in a forest operation in Igun Forest, Agbede, Esan West Local Government Area.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred after a distress call from Ochodo Community on Jan. 24, reporting sporadic shooting by unknown gunmen and the abduction of Mr. Michael Salisu and his wife, Mrs. Salisu.
“On receipt of the information, joint teams of police operatives, local vigilantes, and hunters launched an intensive manhunt.
At about 11:00 a.m. on Jan. 25, the suspects were engaged and dislodged from the forest, leading to the rescue of the victims,” the source said.
The source added that five suspects were arrested in connection with the crime, identified as Nura Ibrahim, 22; Suleiman Aruna, 23; Usman Abubakar, 30; Mohammed Abubakar, 32; and Isah Ibrahim, 27.
Items recovered during the operation included eight live 9mm ammunition rounds, nine 9mm empty shells, and five Android phones.
The source said preliminary investigation was ongoing, and further efforts were being made to apprehend other fleeing suspects.
Police rescue couple, arrest five suspected kidnappers in Edo forest operation
Gamawa commended Gov. Bala for the creation of additional emirates in Bauchi
Police sergeant arrested for supplying arms used in Nasarawa robbery
Police rescue couple, arrest five suspected kidnappers in Edo forest operation
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