The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to uphold the integrity of the 2024 budget by initiating a transparent investigation into the alleged irregularities and conducting a comprehensive review of the budget.
In a statement released by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP reiterated its demand for Senator Akpabio to appear before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to answer for the alleged misappropriation of N108 billion belonging to the people of Akwa Ibom State, as well as the N86 billion contract scandal during his tenures as Governor of Akwa Ibom State and Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.
The party criticized the Senator Godswill Akpabio-led All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership in the Senate for attempting to divert attention with press statements in order to suppress calls for a thorough investigation into the alleged insertion of N3.7 trillion for fictitious projects in the 2024 budget.
According to the PDP, the response from the APC leadership in the Senate on Thursday, March 14, 2024, indicates their apprehension that a detailed investigation would expose those involved in the alleged financial misconduct and reveal how funds were purportedly distributed among APC lawmakers.
The statement also highlighted the existence of a budget cabal within the APC in the Senate, criticizing the insensitivity of the Akpabio-led leadership towards the well-being of Nigerians amidst economic challenges.
The PDP emphasized that despite attempts to intimidate whistleblowers and discredit the opposition, the demand for a transparent investigation into the budget padding allegations remains steadfast. The party underscored the importance of upholding the Senate’s integrity and constitutional duty to oversee public institutions, warning of the consequences to democratic principles if accountability is not upheld.
Calling for Senator Akpabio to step aside and allow for an impartial investigation, the PDP reaffirmed its commitment to standing with Nigerians in the pursuit of accountability and transparency in governance.
