The Transparency Group of the House of Representatives has accused Speaker of the House of Representative, Hon Yakubu Dogara of fraudulent insertig over N3bn into his constituency projects.
This accusation is coming at a time a former Chairman of theCommittee on Appropriation of the lower legislative chambers, Abdulmumin Jibrin is accusing Dogara, his deputy, Yusuf Lasun; Chief Whip, Alhassan Ado Danguwa and Minority Leader, Leo Ogor of attempting to illegally insert over N40bn into the 2016 budget.
Dogara has, however, denied the allegation, saying there is no such thing as padding.
But the group in a statement on Saturday, raised a fresh allegation, describing the Speaker’s action as criminal.
A statement signed by Bashir Baballe, member representing Ungogo/Minjibir Federal Constituency of Kano State; Agunsoye Oluwarotimi Ojo, member representing Kosofe Federal Constituency of Lagos State; and Abubakar Chika Adamu, member representing Shiroro/Munya/Rafi Federal Constituency of Niger State reads i part: “The general public should note that Speaker Yakubu Dogara made criminal insertions (otherwise known as “budget padding”) to the tune of over N3billion to his constituency alone.
“While the entire Zonal Intervention for the three (3) Senatorial Districts of Bauchi State and 12 Federal Constituencies in the state amounts to N1,666,666,666, the Speaker criminally inserted about 200 percent of the amount, totalling N3,079,000,000 to his constituency alone!” the group said.
The self proclaimed anti- corruption group also accused Dogara of “diverting 50 percent of the total Capital Projects allocated to Bauchi State to the tune of N4,781,003,431 out of N9,231,289,842 allocated to the state to his constituency,” adding that the sum of N950 million meant for empowerment schemes was also allegedly diverted by the Speaker.
The lawmakers, further called on Dogara’s to step down as Speaker to avoid further embarrassment as it will churn out more information about his corrupt practices should he remain as Speaker.
“We hereby reiterate our call on Rt. Hon Yakubu Dogara to resign before we start exposing the sleaze and corruption surrounding the internal budget of the House,” the statement added.
