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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
NHRC trains 34 human rights advocates in Gombe
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has trained 34 Community Protection Rights Advocates to protect and promote human rights in Gombe state.
Dr Joseph Wanshe, the State Coordinator of the Commission, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gombe on Monday.
Wanshe said that the training was imperative toward achieving the mandate of the commission in the state.
According to him, the trained advocates, who are mostly in rural areas, will penetrate distant and rural communities where human rights violations are rampant.
He said that the training has started yielding the expected results as there have been increased number of reported cases of human rights violations from rural communities across the state.
He said that the advocates have been deployed to the 11 local government areas of the state.
“We are witnessing an upsurge in human rights reporting coming to the office.
“ The numbers are increasing as regards civil and political rights followed by cases of women and children, domestic violence, economic, social and cultural rights.
“ There are many factors involved in the upsurge as the NHRC within the last one month has stepped up sensitisations and stakeholders’ engagements.
“ We have trained Community Protection Rights advocates, who have been working and as a result, awareness has increased and number of complaints received have spiked,” he said.
Wanshe said that the trained advocates have been affiliated to NHRC at the local government levels toward ensuring wider coverage of the state in terms of human rights protection.
He assured residents on the commission’s effort at ensuring that it achieved effectively its mandate of protection and promotion of human rights.
Wanshe commended the people of Gombe State for their improved confidence in NHRC which has resulted in improved reportage of human rights violations
He further urged communities to support the advocates in their domains in the overall interest of human rights protection.
NHRC trains 34 human rights advocates in Gombe
Troops intercept 11 suspects with IED-making materials in Abuja
Troops of the Nigerian Army have intercepted 11 suspected criminals conveying materials believed to be for the production of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.
By: Zagazola Makama
Security sources said the suspects, comprising 10 males and one female, were arrested at about 12:59 a.m. on April 27 by troops of 176 Guards Battalion deployed at Kuchiyako.
The sources disclosed that the suspects were intercepted in a vehicle along the Kuchiyako–Tipper Garage road, allegedly loaded with IED-making materials.
According to preliminary investigation, the suspects claimed they were en route to mining sites around Kabbin Mangoro in Kuje Area Council to collect mineral resources.
Items recovered from them include explosive charges and three-and-a-half bags of unidentified mineral substances, among other sundry materials.
The suspects are currently in military custody, while investigations are ongoing to ascertain their intent and possible links to criminal or terrorist activities.
Troops intercept 11 suspects with IED-making materials in Abuja
Troops repel terrorists in Zamfara, recover calm after attack on Godel community
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army under 1 Brigade have repelled an attack by suspected terrorists in Godel community of Birnin Magaji Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 2:08 p.m. on April 27 when troops deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kaura Namoda responded to credible intelligence on terrorist activities in the area.
The sources disclosed that troops made contact with the attackers upon arrival, leading to a fierce exchange of fire.
According to the sources, the troops forced the terrorists to withdraw from the area following the encounter.
However, during the attack, the assailants reportedly rustled an unspecified number of cattle belonging to residents of the community.
Three civilians were also said to have sustained gunshot wounds and were evacuated for medical attention.
The sources added that troops have intensified patrols and clearance operations in the general area to prevent further attacks and recover the rustled livestock.
Troops repel terrorists in Zamfara, recover calm after attack on Godel community
NHRC trains 34 human rights advocates in Gombe
Troops intercept 11 suspects with IED-making materials in Abuja
Troops foil kidnap attempt in Kaduna, rescue two victims
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