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| L-R: Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu, President Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara and Sokoto Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, during the flag off of the 75km Kucheri-Bilbis-Danjibga-Keta-Wanke road in Zamfara State… Wednesday 13/07/16 |
The Federal Government reacted yesterday to the budget padding row in
the House of Representatives, promising to probe the allegation and
other related cases over the years.
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mallam
Abubakar Malami (SAN) said the government would “take action” based on
the probe outcome.
This indicates that the probe may be extended to the administrations
of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the late President Umaru Yar’Adua
and former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Malami also said the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari
would probe executive and legislative conspiracy on constituency
projects.
Malami, who spoke with our correspondent, said the government’s
action on padding would lead to the blocking of fraudulent leakages.
He said: “We will investigate the executive and legislative
conspiracy as it relates to constituency projects with a view to
measuring the art of execution of the padded projects over the years
“In so doing, we will learn our lessons in the budget and its
implementation as a law with the aim to prosecute infractions and block
leakages inherent in the padding process.
“Action must naturally be taken in the interest of the nation for
efficient utilisation of our commonwealth and blocking of fraudulent
leakages.”
There were also indications yesterday that the government may resist
pressure to dump the investigation of Jibrin’s petition against Dogara,
Deputy Speaker Yusuff Lasun, Chief Whip Alhassan Ado Doguwa, Minority
Leader Leo Ogor others for the alleged padding.
It was gathered that some leaders of the All Progressives Congress
(APC) are pushing for a political solution to the matter but a
government source said: “We are not aware of any political solution to
the ongoing investigation of the padding of the 2016 Budget by the
police.
“Some people no doubt are seeking political solution to the padding
palaver but I think the government will want the law to take its course.
“The way the Speaker spoke at the Presidential Villa on
Friday suggested that a political compromise was in the offing . But
President Buhari made no commitment at all.”
The Special Investigation Panel (SIP) of the Police will today interact with Jibrin.
The lawmaker is expected to present more documents to the panel and begin his interaction with the five-man team.
A source said: “The panel has linked up with Jibrin, we are hopeful of a robust session with him on Monday (today).”
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