The Nigerian Senate witnessed a tumultuous session on Wednesday, marked by heated exchanges and disagreements among top senators over the handling of N23 trillion in Ways & Means funds by the 9th Assembly, led by former Senate President Ahmed Lawan.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, alongside Lawan and Senate Chief Whip Ali Ndume, engaged in a fiery debate regarding the allocation and utilization of the substantial funds, with Akpabio directly questioning Lawan’s leadership and its economic impact on Nigeria.
Akpabio criticized the decisions made during Lawan’s tenure, asserting that they had exacerbated the nation’s economic challenges. He emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in assessing the expenditure of the Ways & Means funds.
In response, Lawan defended the actions of the 9th National Assembly, insisting that they acted within the confines of the law and prioritized infrastructure development with the allocated funds. He stressed the importance of addressing the immediate needs of Nigerians, particularly food security and safety, amidst the ongoing economic hardships.
The debate intensified as Ndume refuted claims of his involvement in approving the Ways & Means, denouncing the process as illegal. He called for thorough investigations into the expenditure of the allocated funds, demanding accountability from those responsible.
The session descended into chaos as senators clashed over the contentious issue, with accusations and counter-accusations flying across the chamber. Amidst the discord, Senator Mustapha Habib highlighted additional concerns regarding loans granted to state governments and the manufacturing sector, underscoring the urgency of scrutinizing financial transactions and ensuring accountability.
The contentious debate underscores the pressing need for transparency and oversight in financial matters, as senators grapple with the ramifications of past decisions and seek solutions to address Nigeria’s economic challenges.