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CSJ Raises Concerns over Tinubu’s Request to NASS for Approval of N500 Billion Fund for Palliatives

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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

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Security forces foil kidnapping attempt at Government Girls’ College in Bauchi

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Security forces foil kidnapping attempt at Government Girls’ College in Bauchi

By: Zagazola Makama

Security forces have foiled an attempted kidnapping at Government Girls’ College in Bauchi, Bauchi State, in the early hours of Saturday, sources said.

The incident reportedly occurred at about 4:42 a.m. on March 15 when unidentified persons attempted to gain entry into the school premises through the fence near the staff quarters.

Security personnel on guard duty, supported by a patrol team, responded swiftly to the situation. On sighting the approaching officers, the suspected kidnappers abandoned their mission and fled the area.

The development caused brief panic within the school as students raised alarm and ran within the premises. However, no student was harmed or molested during the incident.

Police said the situation has been brought under control, while the school premises remain under close surveillance. Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend the suspects.

Security forces foil kidnapping attempt at Government Girls’ College in Bauchi

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Man rescued by security forced after abduction in Fika, suspects flee

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Man rescued by security forced after abduction in Fika, suspects flee

By: Zagazola Makama

A 35-year-old man, Haruna Abdul, was rescued unhurt after being abducted from his residence in Fali Village, Gashinge, Fika Local Government Area of Yobe State, security sources confirmed on Monday.

The incident, which occurred on March 14, involved unknown assailants armed with bows, arrows, and matches, who reportedly invaded Abdul’s home and forcibly abducted him.

During the attempted transport of the victim to an undisclosed location, police and vigilante groups promptly pursued the kidnappers to Gubana in Fune LGA, Yobe State.

The kidnappers reportedly abandoned Abdul along with a seized motorcycle, described as kasere red in color without registration number, before fleeing into the bush.

The victim has since been reunited with his family, while authorities continue efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects for prosecution.

Man rescued by security forced after abduction in Fika, suspects flee

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Stray bullet injures man in Tsafe following dispute involving military personnel

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Stray bullet injures man in Tsafe following dispute involving military personnel

By: Zagazola Makama

A 38-year-old man sustained gunshot injuries in Tsafe Township, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, after a misunderstanding involving a military personnel attached to Operation FANSAN YANMA.

Sources said the incident occurred at about 8:45 p.m. on March 14 in the Sahara area when the military personnel, who was in possession of a serviceable rifle, attempted to apprehend one of several youths from Sabon Fegi area.

According to sources , the youths resisted and overpowered the soldier, who reportedly fired his rifle to escape. A stray bullet hit a passerby, identified as Abdulrazak Abdullahi Kayode, in the stomach.

The injured man was initially taken to General Hospital Tsafe before being referred to Federal Medical Centre, Gusau, for further treatment.

Sources said the situation has been brought under control, and investigations into the incident are ongoing.

Residents have been urged to remain calm while authorities look into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Stray bullet injures man in Tsafe following dispute involving military personnel

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