Pro-Atiku group to President Tinubu, You must ask EFCC to investigate Akpabio

 

The Atiku Support Organisation, a group backing the presidential candidacy of Atiku Abubakar for the 2023 general elections under the Peoples Democratic Party, has called on President Bola Tinubu to launch an investigation into Senate President Godswill Akpabio. This request comes in light of the N3.7 trillion budget padding controversy initially brought up by suspended Senator Abdul Ningi.

In a statement released on Thursday and signed by Dr. Victor Moses, the National Publicity Secretary of the organisation, they also demanded the reversal of Ningi's suspension, stating that "Whistle-blowing is not a crime."

The statement emphasized the embarrassment and shame caused by the secretive addition of N3.7 trillion into the budget by Sen. Akpabio and his associates, which was not allocated to any specific purpose, shedding light on Akpabio's agenda in the Senate. 

"Nigeria is grappling with its most severe and perilous economic crisis to date. With a poverty rate exceeding 46%, the world's fourth-highest inflation rate, a hunger index of 28.3, and an overwhelming cost of living, every penny in Nigeria should be utilized for the welfare of its people, not for the selfish gains of a select few in the Senate.

The clandestine insertion of N3.7 trillion into the budget by the Senate is an egregious crime and should unequivocally be regarded as theft against the Nigerian nation."

The group emphasized that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) must fulfill its responsibilities by pursuing those implicated in the budget padding accusations.

"The President should immediately instruct the EFCC to launch an investigation into the allegations of N3.7 trillion budget padding by the Senate led by Godswill Akpabio and hold the responsible parties accountable," the statement emphasized.

Regarding Ningi's suspension, the group further stated, "We urge the Akpabio-led Senate to retract the suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi promptly and subject themselves to legal scrutiny. Whistleblowing is not a crime, and no one should face repercussions for exposing wrongdoing."

Following suspended Senator Abdul Ningi's resignation as Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua emerged as the new Chairman after 48 hours.

Various political parties, including the All Progressive Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, Labour Party, and others, have called for a thorough investigation into the claims made by Senator Abdul Ningi regarding the alleged N3.7 trillion padding in the 2024 budget.