Nigerian Senate says contrary to the views in some quarters
that the Red Chamber was mocking the anti-graft war of President Muhammadu
Buhari’s government, it has more than enough proofs to show that the lawmakers
were working to strengthen the anti-corruption process and institutions.
A statement signed by the Spokesperson of the Senate,
Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, said Senators acknowledged the successes and
achievements recorded so far by the Buhari administration in the bid to
eradicate corruption.
“Available facts point to the fact that the 8th Senate is
really complementing the efforts of the executive arm in order to achieve
better results,” Abdullahi said.
He added: “On Wednesday this week alone, two anti-corruption
bills passed the second reading stage in the Senate and were referred to
relevant committees for further action.
“The bills are : 1) the Proceeds of Crime Bill and 2.)
Assets Forfeiture Bill. Both bills are private member bills sponsored by
Senators. A third anti-corruption bill is already in the works.
“Also, on Wednesday, the Senate passed a motion in which it
resolved that all statutory corporations should submit their budget estimates
within two weeks and should refrain from spending money on capital projects.
“This is a strong move to block loopholes through which
revenues due to government are being siphoned. That is sure one of the boldest
moves to stop corruption in revenue generating agencies.”
He stated that with all these moves, Senators are backing
their talk on fight against corruption with tangible action.
“Therefore, mischief makers who want to knock the heads of
the executive and the legislature should desist from their dirty antics.
“These two arms are working from different angles to achieve
a common purpose. The goal to eliminate corruption is shared by both arms of
government”, Abdullahi said.
By Wale Odunsi
