President Bola Tinubu has brushed aside allegations of budget padding, asserting that those making such claims lack a basic understanding of arithmetic. His remarks come in response to Senator Abdul Ningi’s assertion that the 2024 budget was padded to the tune of N3.7 trillion.
Speaking during a Ramadan fast-breaking event with the Senate leadership at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of upholding the integrity of the National Assembly. He expressed gratitude for the expeditious handling of the budget while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to cooperation with the legislative arm for the country’s advancement.
President Tinubu stated, “I know the arithmetic of the budget and the numbers that I brought to the National Assembly, and I know what numbers came back. Those who are talking about malicious embellishment in the budget did not understand the arithmetic and did not refer to the baseline of what I brought. But your integrity is intact.”
Acknowledging the challenges faced by the nation, President Tinubu expressed optimism about overcoming them, citing improvements in revenue generation. He stressed the need for prudent expenditure management to navigate the current economic climate successfully.
Addressing the recent killing of soldiers in Delta State, President Tinubu affirmed his administration’s commitment to upholding national security. He assured that perpetrators of such attacks would face the full force of the law, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and individual rights.
President Tinubu concluded by expressing confidence in the armed forces and reiterating the government’s determination to eradicate poverty from the country. He urged unity and collective efforts in achieving these objectives for the betterment of all citizens.
