Time to rid NASS of corruption
The story published in Punch newspaper of 22th August, 2016, titled, “FG launches major war against Senators, Reps” made an interesting reading. The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, is reported to have said, “the Police, EFCC and ICPC would investigate the constituency projects running into billions of naira in […]
The story published in Punch newspaper of 22th August, 2016, titled, “FG launches major war against Senators, Reps” made an interesting reading. The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, is reported to have said, “the Police, EFCC and ICPC would investigate the constituency projects running into billions of naira in 2014 and 2015 budget respectively”. I think the federal government’s decision to launch this probe cannot be unconnected with the recent controversial budget padding scandal rocking the House of Representatives with the Speaker fingered among the culprit. In 2014 and 2015 budget, the total sum of N200billion was earmarked for constituency projects. In spite of these whopping allocated funds, there are glaring evidences that some lawmakers just collected the largeness and refused to implement the approved projects.
Also, Daily Trust of Monday, August 22, reported that EFCC has begun investigating how the National Commission of Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displacement awarded 10 contracts in one day. The contracts were part of 2014 constituency projects but the locations of the projects can neither be established nor ascertained. This mind boggling revelation reminds me in 2008 how Senator Nuhu Aliyu from Niger state described the Senate as a haven of criminals. Senator Aliyu who was a retired DIG in charge of crime and operation said that some lawmakers are crooks and 419ners.He said he knew them during his career in the Nigerian Police Force. With the cases of budget padding and outright diversion of funds meant for the constituency projects by some lawmakers, Aliyu’s assertion can be substantiated. This puts into question the so-called integrity and maturity of both chambers.
Constitutionally, the national assembly is saddled with the task of making laws for the general wellbeing of Nigerians besides others duties. Since the inception of democracy in the country, it seemed that the two chambers have become the cesspool of corruption. Their actions have robbed the country of desired development and better representation. While the electorates voted them in anticipation of good representation, these lawmakers have been feathering their nest through dubious means. Amidst economic crunch and dwindling of government revenues, the national assembly should be thoroughly investigated. Any lawmaker found to have embezzled funds meant for constituency projects should be held accountable. It is high time we rid the national assembly of corruption. Lawmakers should not be law breakers.
Ibrahim Mustapha, Pambegua, Kaduna State.