NEWS
Reps Panel Queries N600bn Extra-budgetary Expenditures by 115 MDAs
By Ubong Ukpong, Abuja
The Public Accounts Committee, (PAC), of the House of Representatives yesterday, queried 115 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government for incurring over N600 billion extra-budgetary expenditures.
Chairman of the committee, Rep.
Busayo Oke, the, frowned at the claim that some of the expenditures were incurred based on existing circulars and directives.The probes are sequel to the audit queries raised by the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation from 2018 till date.
The audit query, reads, “audit observed that 203 MDAs exceeded their personnel cost budget while 115 MDAs had zero personnel cost even though there was budgetary allocation for them.
It further reads that, the sources of extra funds for salaries and wages in 103 were not disclosed.
The chairman however said the reasons for zero personnel budget allocation for the 115 MDAs were not stated despite the fact that the MDAs under defence had annual budgets approved for them.
He said the office of the Accountant General of the Federation should investigate the sources of the extra budgetary expenditures and reasons for non compliance with down financial regulations.
He said failure to justify sources and reasons for the expenditures, totalling N64bn the officers in charge should be held responsible.
According to him, this is an aberration of the clear rape of financial regulation and public procurement act, nobody has the power to appropriate any money to any MDAs except the National Assembly.
This, he said, should be through the budget from the President, before the passage of appropriation bill.
He added that it had to pass through stages and after the passage, it should be returned to the President for assent.
“But we have discovered a situation where some Ministers and heads of MDAs are found of appropriating funds and approving several millions of naira for spending.
“This is without coming to the parliament but relying on circulars and directives, this is illegal and we are going to stop,” he said.
He then directed the Accountant General of the Federation, Mr Sylva Okolieaboh, to make available the list of 115 MDAs involved in the suspicious spendings to the Committee by Nov 17.
Oke said in the spirit of fear hearing, the culprits MDAs would be summoned to come and explained their own side of the story as claimed in the audit report.
Troops of Mobile Strike Team, under Operation Fasan Yamma (OPFY), say they have killed scores of terrorists in a decisive operation around Ƙunchin Kalgo in Tsafe Local Government of Zamfara.The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, made this known on Thursday in Abuja.
Kangye said that a notorious terrorist, known as Auta, alongside his associates Abdul Jamilu and one Salisu, were among those killed in the encounter. According to him, these terrorists were linked to multiple acts of violence and terrorism within the general area.“The operation marks a significant blow to criminal elements, destabilizing peace and security in the area.“Preliminary intelligence indicates that two additional terrorist kingpins, including one identified as Babayé were eliminated during the operation.“In a separate incident, Sale Ado Madele (alias Sarki), the eldest son of known bandit leader Ado Alieru, was also reportedly killed,” he said.Kangye said the troops had in another encounter, killed additional 10 terrorists who congregated near a filling station in Danjibga.He said the terrorist were believed to be part of a syndicate brought together by Dogo Sule for a planned attack.“The Nigerian Armed Forces remain committed to safeguarding lives and restoring lasting peace across Zamfara and the wider North-West region.“This operation underscores our resolve to dismantle terrorist networks and bring perpetrators of violence to justice,” he said. (NAN)
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, says the 10th Senate has passed 96 bills out a total of 844 bills introduced within its first two years.He said that the Senate also adopted 18 petitions out of the 80 received.Akpabio made this known on Thursday during a joint session of the National Assembly to celebrate 2025 Democracy Day.
He said that the 10th National Assembly had played its part with diligence and distinction. “From its inception, the 10th Senate demonstrated a renewed vigour for addressing the country’s complex challenges through purposeful legislation.“This commitment is reflected in its extraordinary output: a total of 844 bills have been introduced within its first two years—an unprecedented figure.“This figure underscores the Senate’s proactive posture in tackling pressing national issues.“Out of this impressive volume, 107 bills are currently at the committee stage, undergoing the necessary scrutiny and stakeholder engagement that ensures quality legislation.“Two hundred and six bills are awaiting first reading, reflecting a robust pipeline of legislative ideas prepared for formal introduction and 409 bills have advanced to second reading.“Notably, the Senate has passed 96 bills, a record for any Nigerian Senate at this stage of the legislative cycle.“Even more significantly, 52 of these bills have been assented to by the President, translating into enforceable laws that will shape governance, economic development, public welfare, and national security.“These bills include the National Education Fund, Local Government Autonomy Bill, Regional Development Commission, Tax Reform, University and Tertiary Institutions, Agricultural Institutions bills etc.”Akpabio said that the upper chamber had acted decisively on 26 Executive bills, showcasing a healthy balance of cooperation and oversight in its engagement with the executive arm.“These executive-sponsored legislations address key policy areas and benefit from the Senate’s thorough review and refinement before passage.”The senate president said that beyond bills, the 10th Senate had received a total of 80 petitions from citizens and civil society.“This is a testimony to public trust in the institution. Of these, 18 petitions have been fully adopted, providing redress, transparency and institutional accountability,” he said. (NAN)
By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh on Thursday, facilitate with all Nigerians as they commemorate June 12, a day that symbolizes the collective commitment to democracy, freedom, and justice. He added that the legacy of the 1993 elections remains a beacon of hope and a reminder of the nation’s enduring democratic spirit.
This was contained in a statement issued by CAN, signed the CAN President, in Abuja. .The Archbishop lamented the rate of kidnappings and killings by bandits urged the Federal government take an urgent and sustained action to safeguard lives and property across the country.The statement reads in oarts, “As we reflect on this journey, we urge all Nigerians to embrace unity, peace, and mutual respect. We must stand firm against religious intolerance and violence in all forms. The government has a sacred duty to protect religious freedoms, ensure that no one is persecuted for their faith, and deliver justice to victims of religious violence.”Insecurity, including insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping, continues to threaten our nation’s stability. We call for urgent and sustained action to safeguard lives and property across the country. CAN remains committed to supporting every initiative aimed at restoring lasting peace and security.”Good governance is the cornerstone of any democracy. We call for greater transparency and accountability at all levels of government. Nigeria’s vast resources must be harnessed to address poverty, unemployment, and inequality, and to improve infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Free, fair, and credible elections are vital to sustaining democratic integrity.”We urge the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strengthen its systems and processes to enhance electoral transparency and public trust. In a true democracy, the rights to free speech, peaceful assembly, and press freedom must be upheld. We encourage the government to engage citizens constructively and seek inclusive solutions to national challenges.”As we mark this significant day, CAN prays for the peace, unity, and progress of our beloved country. We call on all Nigerians to remain committed to building a just, inclusive, and prosperous nation; one that honors the sacrifices of our democratic heroes.”We also appreciate the efforts of the government, security agencies, and citizens who continue to uphold the values of democracy and national cohesion.”God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria”, he said.
Tinubu’s Democracy Speech Reflects Ambitious Vision – LCCI
ShareThe Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) says President Bola Tinubu’s Democracy Day speech reflects an ambitious and optimistic...
Troops Neutralise Notorious Terrorist Auta, others in Zamfara
ShareTroops of Mobile Strike Team, under Operation Fasan Yamma (OPFY), say they have killed scores of terrorists in a decisive...
10th Senate Passed 96 Bills, Adopted 18 Petitions-Akpabio
ShareThe President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, says the 10th Senate has passed 96 bills out a total of 844...
JUNE 12: Good Governance is the Cornerstone of Democracy – CAN
Share By Laide Akinboade, Abuja President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh on Thursday, facilitate with all Nigerians...
Economy: We Introduced Fundamental Reforms to Correct Structural Imbalances – Tinubu
SharePresident Bola Tinubu on Thursday said his administration introduced fundamental reforms to correct structural imbalances and reform the country’s ailing...
Gov. Zulum Pardons 66, Gifts Cash to Patients, Inmates
ShareGov. Babagana Zulum of Borno on Thursday announced a state pardon to 66 convicted persons and gifted N50,000 and N20,000...
ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU AT JOINT SESSION OF NATIONAL ASSEMBLY IN COMMEMORATION OF DEMOCRACY DAY, 2025
ShareProtocol:With profound honour, I stand before this joint session of our National Assembly; a parliament that embodies the will of...
Democracy: Sen. Abiru Urges Support for Tinubu
Share Sen. Mukhail Abiru (APC -Lagos) has urged continued support and understanding for President Bola Tinubu as he implements bold policy...
Teaching Hospital Performs 2nd Kidney Transplant in Maiduguri
ShareThe University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), has successfully performed its second living-donor kidney transplant, 15 years after its first...
Calls for Lowering Voting Age, Rejection of e-voting Dominate NILDS-Democracy School Debate
ShareCalls for lowering voter age and rejecting e-voting on Wednesday in Abuja dominated the maiden edition of the National Institute...
Arabic
Chinese (Simplified)
Dutch
English
French
German
Italian
Portuguese
Russian
Spanish