Civil rights activist and former Senator Shehu Sani, suggested a legislative solution to curb the recurring issue of budget padding in Nigeria.
In a post on social media platform X on Tuesday, Sani stated, “The only way to stop budget padding is to make a law that prohibits lawmakers from tampering with budgets presented by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).”
However, he expressed skepticism about the feasibility of such legislation, adding, “but I don’t know who will make that law or how it can even pass the first reading.”
Sani’s remarks come ahead of the Appropriations Committee’s meeting with the Minister of Finance, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, and the Director General of the Budget Office of the Federation.
The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 7, 2025, with budget defence sessions between MDAs and the Appropriations Sub-committees set to follow from January 8 to January 15, 2025.
In a separate engagement, Sani called on Nigerians and governments at all levels to honor the nation’s freedom fighters.
During a visit to the tombs of six deposed Emirs in Lokoja on Monday, he paid tribute to the late Emir of Kano, Mallam Aliyu Abdullahi (Maisango), and other leaders who resisted British colonial rule.
“These Emirs stood in defence of our country, refusing to bow to colonialists who sought to enslave our people and exploit our resources,” Sani said during the visit, accompanied by Comrade Suleiman Ahmed.
He emphasized the importance of recognizing the sacrifices made by these leaders, stating, “As we move forward as a country and as a people, we should also look backwards to appreciate those who fought, laid their lives, and made sacrifices for us.”
Sani reaffirmed his dedication to celebrating Nigeria’s historical freedom fighters, urging Nigerians to draw inspiration from their courage and commitment to justice and territorial integrity.
This dual call for legislative reform and historical recognition underscores Sani’s commitment to governance and national unity.
