Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for “an immediate and thorough investigation” into the N3.7 trillion allegedly added to the 2024 budget.

Atiku, who described the alleged budget padding as outright fraud, said the allegation should not be dismissed by the government.

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election said these in a statement on Thursday, March 14, 2024.

He also condemned the suspension of the senator representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District, Abdul Ningi, over his allegation of budget padding by the Senate, noting that the lawmaker’s suspension cannot silence accusations of corruption and illegal fiscal spending by the federal government.

Atiku said: “Appropriation lies at the heart of governance, and any deviation from serving the people’s interests will be met with fierce opposition.

“Denials are unacceptable, and the suspension of one senator cannot silence accusations of corruption and illegal fiscal spending by the federal government.

N3.7trn budget padding: Resign now, PDP tells Akpabio

“Without a clear explanation to the people of Nigeria, we must treat these allegations for what they are: outright fraud.

“The accusation of budget padding totalling N3 trillion cannot be dismissed lightly by the government.

“Given the current hardships facing our nation, a padded budget is already translating to a padded hunger, padded poverty, padded insecurity, padded energy crises, padded forex instability, and the soaring cost of living.”

The former Vice President further urged President Bola Tinubu to address high-profile corruption cases in the country transparently, saying: “The people of Nigeria cannot afford to ignore allegations that worsen our already dire economic situation.

“The current federal government has a disgraceful track record of ignoring issues of transparency and due process in public administration.

“The unresolved $3.3 billion NNPCL loan repayment scandal, with Nigeria now expected to repay $12 billion, remains a glaring example.

“The Tinubu administration must address these high-profile corruption cases transparently.

“The National Assembly, as the elected representatives of the people, are constitutionally obligated to legislate for the peace, order, and good governance of our nation, without colluding with corrupt elements.

“Failure to do so and persisting in denial will only confirm the government’s complicity in official malpractice.”

The Star