The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator Solomon Adeola, has assured Nigerians that the National Assembly remains committed to ensuring that no region of the country is left behind in developmental projects.
Speaking during a lecture at the 2nd Annual Retreat of the Remo Traditional Council in Sagamu, Ogun State, Senator Adeola emphasized that the legislature is using the instrument of the national budget to spread the dividends of democracy across all geopolitical zones.
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The lecture titled “The Role of Legislature in Shaping a Holistic Budget for Nigeria” was delivered by the senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District. It was contained in a statement issued by his media adviser, Chief Kayode Odunaro, on Sunday.
- “The legislature has the duty to ensure that no part of the country is neglected,” Adeola stated.
- “The needs of each region in Nigeria are diverse and multi-dimensional. That’s why every senator and House of Reps member is expected to advocate for their constituents during the budget process.”
Budget Is a Tool for Equitable Development — Adeola
Senator Adeola explained that the national budget is not merely a financial document but a policy tool designed to serve the overall interest and well-being of Nigerians. He added that what many often refer to as “budget padding” or “insertions” are actually legislative interventions to ensure neglected areas get attention.
“Since 1999, there have been many misconceptions about the legislature’s role in budgeting. Terms like ‘budget padding,’ ‘insertions,’ and ‘constituency projects’ have been wrongly weaponized to discredit lawmakers,” he said.
“These are not corrupt practices. They are legitimate legislative actions to ensure fair distribution of national resources.”
Clarifying Constituency Projects and Budget Execution
Senator Adeola emphasized that constituency projects included in the budget are executed by government agencies, not lawmakers themselves. The funds are allocated to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), and legislators only propose them on behalf of their constituents.
- “Since the execution is done by MDAs and not lawmakers, it’s misleading to accuse the legislature of budget padding,” he clarified.
He also noted that the 1999 Constitution, specifically Sections 80 to 84, gives the National Assembly exclusive powers over public funds, making legislative input into the budgeting process both legal and essential.
“No money can be spent from the national treasury without the approval of the National Assembly,” he said.
Adeola called for greater public education on budgeting to help citizens understand the true role of the legislature and avoid being misled by misinformation.
Support for Traditional Institutions
On the ongoing constitutional review, Senator Adeola pledged support for granting official roles to traditional rulers, recognizing their contributions to security, peace-building, and grassroots development.
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“Traditional institutions are vital to governance. They must be formally recognized within our constitutional framework,” he added.
Akarigbo of Remoland Commends Senator Adeola
Presiding over the retreat, the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, commended Senator Adeola for illuminating his palace with solar-powered street lights and implementing several impactful projects across Ogun State.
Oba Ajayi used the occasion to appeal for the establishment of a federal educational institution in Remoland and reiterated the region’s call for the creation of Ijebu State.
- “This retreat is to deepen our understanding of governance and push for more development in Remoland,” the monarch said.
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