Senate reacts to alleged N4.4bn missing in the National Assembly

The Nigerian Senate has said it will probe an allegation of misappropriation of N4.4 billion by the National Assembly as contained in an audit report.

This move follows a statement released by a civil society group, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), alleging misappropriation of funds in the audit report of the N4.4 billion budget assigned for the National Assembly.

According to Punchng.com, SERAP, has given the leadership of the National Assembly a 14-day ultimatum to address and implement the recommendations contained in the audit report.

In response to the allegation, Senator Ajibola Basiru stated that the alleged infractions transpired during the 8th National Assembly.

The senator who is the chairman of the Senate committee on media and public affairs called on the SERAP to send its petition to the National Assembly's committee on public account for further investigations.

He assured that the organisation that the relevant committees would look into the petition if pursued diligently.

Nigerians react

Reacting to the Senate's readiness to probe the allegation,

Ezeonyenwe Oliver said on Facebook:

"Probe without good results,

"I've been hearing probe in Nigeria but have not seen it's final results made public."

Anthony Iriogbe said

"Kudos to SERAP. But I can assure you that the probe can never see the light of the day. Simply put, Dead on arrival."

Olusegun Oluwanishola Thompson said:

"I just don't understand this country, looking for 4.4 bn naira? 4 4 bn naira is it a niddle or pin?

"Just don't understand!"

Abdulkareem Tijjani DVM said:

"Nass Panel will probe 'missing' 4.4bn in Nass..

"I hope Mr Lai Mohammed is seeing all of these before explaining away Transparency International Rating of Nigeria.."