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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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Soldier killed, two injured as bandits ambush military vehicle in Katsina

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Soldier killed, two injured as bandits ambush military vehicle in Katsina

By: Zagazola Makama

Armed bandits on Wednesday ambushed a military Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) in Yadi forest, near Machika village in Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing one soldier and critically injuring two others.

It was gathered that the APC had developed a mechanical fault while on patrol before it was attacked at about 2:32 p.m.

Sources said hat the heavily armed bandits seized the opportunity to launch a coordinated assault on the stranded vehicle.

“In the course of the attack, one soldier was fatally shot while two others sustained life-threatening injuries. The injured personnel were immediately evacuated for medical attention,” the report noted.

Following the incident, a Nigerian Air Force fighter jet was deployed to the area for aerial support, while troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA cordoned off the forest in search of the attackers.

Security operations in the area are ongoing to track down and apprehend the perpetrators of the deadly ambush.

Soldier killed, two injured as bandits ambush military vehicle in Katsina

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Mob kills suspected motorcycle thief in Gombe, police arrest four

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Mob kills suspected motorcycle thief in Gombe, police arrest four

By: Zagazola Makama

The Gombe State Police Command has confirmed the killing of a 22-year-old man by a mob in Kumo, Akko Local Government Area, over allegations of motorcycle theft.

Sources said the incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, when the victim, identified as Daudu Ahmed of Sarkin Yaki Quarters, was attacked with machetes to the head and stomach by a group of youths accusing him of being a serial motorcycle thief.

The matter was reported to the Akko Divisional Police Station by the victim’s elder brother, Dahiru Ahmed, at about 10:15 a.m.

The Divisional Police Officer and his team responded swiftly and rushed the victim to the General Hospital, Kumo, where he was confirmed dead on arrival.

Four suspects were identified and two Babayo Musa and Zaidu Sani both of Jauro Musa Quarters were arrested. The others, identified only as Sulaiman and Usama, remain at large alongside other fleeing suspects.

During interrogation, the arrested suspects reportedly confessed that the deceased had been involved in motorcycle snatching and was a known threat in the area. Machetes used in the attack were recovered as evidence.

Sources said that case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects.

Mob kills suspected motorcycle thief in Gombe, police arrest four

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Gunmen abduct two in Kwara Fulani camp, injure one

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Gunmen abduct two in Kwara Fulani camp, injure one

By: Zagazola Makama

Armed men have abducted two residents and injured another during an attack on Baba Ramo Fulani Camp near Isanlu Isin in Kwara State, the police have confirmed.

Zagazola gathered that the incident occurred at about 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 5, when the gunmen stormed the camp, shooting sporadically before whisking away two men identified as Ibrahim Nuhu and Musa Umar.

Sources said during the attack, one Opeyemi Ibrahim sustained a gunshot wound to his right thigh and was rushed to Adeyemi Hospital in Omu-Aran for urgent medical attention.

Following the incident, local hunters and vigilantes immediately launched a bush combing operation in an attempt to rescue the abductees.

During the search, the team recovered eight empty AK-47 bullet shells, a severed human thumb, a flashlight, and a blue Bajaj motorcycle with registration number KMA 185 VD. About 50 cows believed to have been abandoned by the attackers were also recovered.

All recovered items have been handed over to the police, and an investigation is currently ongoing to track down the abductors and secure the release of the victims.

Gunmen abduct two in Kwara Fulani camp, injure one

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