The Federal Government will investigate claims that the 2016 budget was padded, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami has said.
The allegations were levelled by former Chairman of the House of Representatives Appropriation Committee, Abdulmumin Jibrin.
According to Jibrin, about N284 billion was smuggled into the budget by Reps Speaker, Yakubu Dogara and other principal officers of the House.
“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,” Malami said while speaking to The Nation in Sunday, August 7, 2016.
“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,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dogara has refused to resign saying that budget padding is not an offence.
Other reps named in the alleged scam are Deputy Speaker, Yusuff Lasun, Chief Whip, Alhassan Ado Doguwa and Minority Leader, Leo Ogor.
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