“You Misunderstand Budget Arithmetic”~ President Tinubu Responds To Ningi:

22/03/2024

President Bola Tinubu has rebuffed the allegations of budget padding made by suspended Senator Abdul Ningi, asserting that those questioning the integrity of the National Assembly do not grasp the intricacies of budget arithmetic.

Tinubu made these remarks during a dinner hosted for the Senate leadership to mark the breaking of the Ramadan fast at the State House, Abuja, as revealed in a statement by his Snécial Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngeiale.

Expressing confidence in his understanding of budgetary figures, Tinubu commended the National Assembly for promptly handling the budget. He emphasized that allegations of malicious embellishment lacked foundation and failed to consider the baseline figures he initially presented.

He stated, "I know the arithmetic of the budget and the numbers that I brought to the National Assembly, and I know what numbers came back.

I appreciate all of you for the expeditious handling of the budget. Thank you very much. Those who are talking about malicious embellishment in the budget; they did not understand the arithmetic and did not refer to the baseline of what I brought. But your integrity is intact."

Tinubu also expressed optimism about Nigeria's economic prospects, noting that the nation is on the cusp of overcoming current challenges. He highlighted improvements in revenue generation and called for prudent expenditure management.

Additionally, Tinubu commended the National Assembly for swiftly addressing the Student Loan Amendment Bill and urged increased tolerance, forgiveness, and charity during Ramadan.

Regarding security matters, Tinubu assured that justice would be served for the killing of soldiers in Delta State and reiterated his administration's commitment to supporting the military in safeguarding the nation's sovereignty and combating security threats.

He concluded by affirming his determination to eradicate poverty and uphold Nigeria's territorial integrity, pledging continued support for the armed forces in maintaining national security.