The fifty-eight lawmakers under the aegis of the Northern Senators Forum have kicked against the N28.7 trillion 2024 budget saying the projections and provisions of the budget are unfair to the North.
The Senators made this known in a statement titled, “Allocation and distribution of funds in 2024 National Budget and Relocation of some Federal Agencies to Lagos.” and signed by their spokesperson, Senator Suleiman Kawu Summaila ( NNPP, Kano South) in Abuja on Monday, January 22. The lawmakers in the statement said they are open to seeking legal redress over their grievances which includes the relocation of some government agencies from Abuja to Lagos.
The statement reads in part;
“As representatives of the people at the national level (Senate), we are committed to addressing the concerns and feelings of our constituents regarding certain decisions and policies put forth by the Federal Government; and the lopsidedness in the distribution and allocation of resources in the 2024 budget, relocation of some federal agencies from Abuja to Lagos.
We understand the importance of fostering a harmonious relationship between the government and its citizens, and it is in this spirit that we are announcing our collective efforts to seek an amicable resolution to these pressing issues, within the confines of our constitution and existing laws.
First and foremost, let us assure our constituents that we have taken their concerns seriously and are actively engaging with our colleagues to address these matters effectively. We firmly believe in the power of open dialogue and collaboration to bring about positive change for our nation.”
The N28 .7tn 2024 budget was passed for third reading by both chambers of the National Assembly on December 30, 2023, and was assented to by President Bola Tinubu on Monday, January 1, 2024.
