₦airaland Forum

The National Assembly’s decision to allocate a staggering N197 billion to itself from Nigeria’s N28.7 trillion budget has ignited a firestorm of criticism and public outrage across the nation.

The move, seen as excessive and disproportionate, has drawn widespread condemnation from citizens.

Amid a budget meant to serve the needs of over 200 million Nigerians, the allocation to the National Assembly, comprising just 409 members, has raised eyebrows due to its sheer size.

The public outcry stems from a sense of disillusionment, as many Nigerians feel let down by what they perceive as self-serving actions by legislators.

The allocation to the National Assembly has intensified calls for a reevaluation of legislative priorities, with citizens demanding that the primary focus should be on serving the nation’s interests and addressing pressing societal needs rather than self-enrichment.

Righthussle:
This ones go collect from #200 above.

The Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has warned that without immediate action to end the long-standing violence claiming lives in the state, Nigeria could become another Somalia.

Governor Mutfwang raised the alarm on Saturday while discussing with the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, in Jos.

Recall that that over 100 people in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi local government areas were reportedly massacred by some yet to be identified gunmen on Christmas Eve.

“It is unfortunate that this cycle has continued for years. We are praying that, as a nation, we will get it right so that we toe the path of justice and don’t allow people to slip into self-help because once we allow the people to go into self-help, we will become another Somalia", the Governor said.

“There is an economy that has been built around this insecurity. We need to know who the financiers are and who paid for the hundreds of AK-47 rifles. Where did they get them from?”, the Governor added.

Speaking about President Tinubu, he said;
“What we need is a mass of critical leaders to rally round him to be able to expand his scope so that he understands the root and immediate causes of these problems and to proffer solutions.”

The camp of Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has slammed the federal government’s suspension of degree certificate evaluation and accreditation from Benin Republic and Togo, calling it a “deceptive” move that ignores a bigger problem.

Reacting to the suspension announced on Tuesday, January 2nd, Atiku’s spokesperson, Abdul Rasheeth, took to social media, accusing the government of hypocrisy and selective action.

“Universities in Benin and Togo are not the only ones culpable in certificate racketeering,” Rasheeth wrote. “Suspending their accreditation is nothing but deception! This isn’t the first time FG is doing that!”

He pointed to Chicago State University (CSU) and its affiliates as a prime example of institutions allegedly involved in “nefarious means and unconscionable methods” of issuing degrees.

Senator Shehu Sani has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s New Year speech as a native doctor’s words of hope to a sick person with no recovery date.

Earlier in his address, the President assured that his administration is working hard to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians brought about by his economic policies.

The President had said although “The time may be rough and tough”, Nigerians must “remain unbowed because tough times never last.”

“We are made for this period, never to flinch, never to falter. The socio-economic challenges of today should energize and rekindle our love and faith in the promise of Nigeria."

“Our current circumstances should make us resolve to work better for the good of our beloved nation. Our situation should make us resolve that this new year 2024, each and everyone of us will commit to be better citizens,” he added.

In reaction via X, the former lawmaker representing Kaduna Central noted that the President did not set any time for any of the promises to take effect.

“The President’s speech is good and encouraging. It gives the kind of hope raised by Native Doctors; that you will be delivered from your sickness but no date,” he said.