CHAIRMAN, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Yemi Adaramodu, has dismissed calls for the resignation of Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, over “unfounded allegations” of N3.7trillon budget padding .
Adaramodu, in a statement in Abuja, said calls for Akpabio’s resignation were unthinkable, insisting he would not resign and had no intention to resign at any time, as he had not committed any wrongdoing .
Adaramodu said it was shocking that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership could not comprehend what transpired at Tuesday’s plenary, during which the allegations were debated, recalling that Senator Abdul Ningi, who raised the dust, was given an opportunity to defend himself and prove the budget padding allegations during the debate, but failed to substantiate his claims, hence his suspension.
He stated: “Contrary to the contention by the PDP that N3.7 trillion was discreetly inserted into the 2024 budget for alleged non-existent projects, and what transpired on the floor of the chamber, it is open knowledge that no such absurdity is found in the budget passed by the National Assembly and signed by President Bola Tinubu, which is being implemented judiciously by the Federal government.”
Adaramodu said the senate did not, in any way, violate the constitution or its standing Rules and Orders, in not referring the matter to a relevant committee, noting that the decision to take the issue in the Committee of the Whole was for transparency and fairness and to afford the public the opportunity to follow the proceedings and have a value judgment as to who was lying to the nation.
He said it was the constitutional responsibility of the senate to vary and determine its internal rules, as deemed fit, stating that Ningi was never intimidated or harassed, gagged or denied the privilege to exercise his right of reply, as he was given ample opportunity to defend himself.
The senate spokesman added that the PDP expected the senate to sweep the unfounded allegations under the carpet, saying the 10th Senate under Akpabio’s leadership has zero tolerance for corruption.
He further stated that investigation of the “false” N3.7trillion budget padding allegations could not have been conducted by the senate in the closet, as suggested, adding that the 10th Senate, under Akpabio, would not be distracted from delivering good legislation and effective oversight for which Nigerians elected the members.
