Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-03-12 03:06:51
Chekwas Okorie, the Pioneer National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has raised concerns about a plot to blackmail President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in connection to the budget padding saga. In a statement titled “It is time to allow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to govern Nigeria,” Okorie revealed that the individuals behind this plot were also targeting Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The controversy arose from allegations made by northern senators that the 2024 budget was padded with N3 trillion by the Presidency. Okorie expressed his worries that vocal political figures from a particular section of the North were aiming to blackmail, intimidate, and distract President Tinubu before he could complete one year in office. He criticized these political elites, holding them responsible for the backwardness in their region and accused them of attempting to undermine the current administration.
Emphasizing the importance of protecting Nigeria’s democracy, Okorie urged Nigerians to remain vigilant in the face of these political maneuvers. He remarked that former President Muhammadu Buhari had his eight years in power and would be judged by history, implying that the same would happen to President Tinubu.
The statement highlighted the allegations made by the Northern Senators Forum regarding the budget padding, with Senator Abdul Ningi making incendiary claims about President Tinubu’s administration shortchanging the North. Similarly, allegations were also directed at Senate President Godwill Akpabio.
Senator Yemi Adaramodu, the Senate Committee Chairman on Media and Publicity, promptly refuted the claims made by his northern colleagues. Okorie cited instances where prominent figures like Senator Ali Ndume and controversial Islamic cleric Abubakar Gumi made politically charged statements against President Tinubu and his administration.
He emphasized that constructive opposition is essential for good governance but criticized the use of divisive tactics by political elites to undermine the government. Okorie called for cooperation with President Tinubu to govern Nigeria and urged for fair judgment to be made by history.
Overall, the article sheds light on the political tensions surrounding President Tinubu and the allegations of budget padding, emphasizing the need for constructive engagement in opposition politics rather than resorting to blackmail and intimidation tactics. It also underscores the importance of vigilance and protecting Nigeria’s democracy in the face of such challenges.
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