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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
News
Bandits abduct two women in Zamfara, security forces launch rescue operation
Bandits abduct two women in Zamfara, security forces launch rescue operation
By: Zagazola Makama
The Zamfara State Police Command says suspected armed bandits have abducted two women during a night attack on Wanzamai village in Tsafe Local Government Area.
Sources said that the incident occurred on April 15, 2026, at about 10:10 p.m., when armed men riding on motorcycles and wielding sophisticated weapons invaded the residence of one Shafiu Auta at the western outskirts of the community.
According to the sources, the attackers abducted two women during the raid, identified as Maryam Shafiu Auta, 20, the wife of the homeowner, and Anisa Auwal, 22, the wife of his brother.
The DPO Tsafe Division confirmed the incident, noting that troops under Operation Fansan Yamma were immediately alerted and mobilised to the scene.
However, the bandits were said to have escaped with the victims before security forces arrived.
The command said joint security operatives have intensified search-and-rescue operations across likely escape routes, while intelligence teams are engaging local vigilantes and residents to track the movement of the abductors.
It added that efforts are ongoing to determine whether any ransom demands have been made or if communication has been established with the kidnappers.
Bandits abduct two women in Zamfara, security forces launch rescue operation
News
Military, police foil bandit attack in Zamfara, launch follow-up operations
Military, police foil bandit attack in Zamfara, launch follow-up operations
By: Zagazola Makama
The joint troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA has foiled an attempted bandit attack on Farin Ruwa settlement in Maru Local Government Area.
Zagazola report that the incident occurred on April 15, 2026, at about 3:40 p.m., when suspected armed bandits from Bayan Ruwa hideouts in Maradun Local Government Area attempted to invade the community.
According to the sources , the troops under Operation Fansan Yamma, as well as police patrol swiftly responded to the distress call.
The security forces engaged the attackers in a gun duel, forcing them to retreat into nearby bushes with possible gunshot injuries.
The troops said the swift response prevented the attack and restored normalcy in the area, with residents returning to their daily activities.
It added that follow-up operations, including combing of the withdrawal routes, have been ordered to determine whether any of the bandits were neutralised or injured, and to recover possible weapons or traces of blood.
The sources said no casualties have been confirmed among civilians or security personnel at the time of the report.
The command further directed intelligence exploitation and debriefing of local residents to ascertain the strength, movement patterns, and direction of the fleeing bandits.
Military, police foil bandit attack in Zamfara, launch follow-up operations
News
Three vigilantes killed, village head abducted in Kebbi attack
Three vigilantes killed, village head abducted in Kebbi attack
By: Zagazola Makama
Three vigilante members have been killed and a village head abducted following a suspected terrorist attack on Yantala village in Bagudu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
Security sources said the incident occurred on April 15, 2026, at about 5:00 p.m., when armed men stormed the community and opened fire sporadically on residents.
The attackers, believed to be members of a terrorist group locally referred to as “Mamudawa Boko Haram,” reportedly killed three vigilantes identified as Usman Riga of Sabon Gari village, Bande of the same address, and Bala Dan Chako of Yantala village.
They were also said to have abducted the village head of Yantala, Garba Ahmadu (85), alongside another resident, Bala Mazuga.
During the assault, one motorcycle was set ablaze before the attackers fled into nearby bush paths.
Local sources said the assailants operated with superior firepower, forcing residents to flee for safety.
Efforts are reportedly ongoing to rescue the abducted victims and track down those responsible for the attack, while tension remains high in the affected community.
Three vigilantes killed, village head abducted in Kebbi attack
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