Senator Plang Raises Concerns Over Suspected Budget Padding In 2024 National Assembly Session

Senator Plang Raises Concerns Over Suspected Budget Padding In 2024 National Assembly Session....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Senator Diket Plang, representing Plateau Central in the National Assembly, has refuted claims of budget padding for the 2024 fiscal year. Addressing journalists in Jos, the capital of Plateau State, Plang, a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, clarified that the legislature did not inflate the budget, contrary to recent assertions.

In response to allegations made by Senator Abdul Ningi suggesting a discrepancy in the budget figures, Plang asserted that the National Assembly passed a budget totaling N28.77 trillion, not the purported N23 trillion. He clarified that President Bola Tinubu had presented a budget of N27.2 trillion before a joint session of the National Assembly on November 29, 2023. However, following executive requests, approximately 1.5 trillion was added by the National Assembly to address pressing issues such as food security and provide necessary resources for security agencies.

Plang emphasized that the additional funds were allocated to vital areas not initially covered in the budget, such as addressing food insecurity exacerbated by fuel subsidy removal and currency devaluation. He highlighted the urgency in bolstering the capabilities of security agencies through increased funding for weapon procurement and other classified expenditures essential for national security.

Moreover, Plang underscored the amicable relationship between the legislative and executive branches, attributing it to the shared understanding of legislative processes among former lawmakers now serving in executive positions. He noted the presence of former legislators, including the Vice President, Chief of Staff, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and the First Lady, within the executive, facilitating a harmonious collaboration between the two arms of government.

In summary, Senator Plang’s remarks aimed to dispel misconceptions surrounding the 2024 budget process, emphasizing transparency and the imperative to address critical national priorities.

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