In response to recent claims by Senator Abdul Ningi regarding alleged budget padding, Dr. Jibril Tafida, an aide of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has refuted the allegations and cautioned against distracting Akpabio with baseless accusations.
Addressing the media, Dr. Tafida dismissed the notion of N3 trillion budget padding as absurd, emphasizing the lack of credibility in Senator Ningi’s claims due to the absence of verified facts. He criticized Senator Ningi for rushing to the press without thorough verification.
Expressing disappointment in the approach taken by Senator Ningi and his colleagues from the Northern Senators Forum, Dr. Tafida advised that issues be addressed directly with Akpabio rather than through public scrutiny. He stressed the importance of constructive dialogue within the Senate Chambers for effective resolution of concerns.
Furthermore, Dr. Tafida addressed Senator Ningi’s accusations of bias toward Northern Senators and the North, stating that it unfairly portrayed Senate President Akpabio. He highlighted Akpabio’s positive actions, such as preventing the Nigeria Hajj Commission from postponing this year’s Hajj, emphasizing the lack of acknowledgment for these commendable efforts.
Dr. Tafida underscored the need to appreciate individuals like Senate President Akpabio, who demonstrate dedication to serving the nation. He reiterated his disbelief in the plausibility of padding N3 trillion in a budget and urged patience for the committee’s report to provide clarity. Dr. Tafida concluded by affirming Akpabio’s integrity and encouraging a fair assessment of the situation.