Still on the #BudgetPadding Scandal and our “Siddon Dey Look Mentality”

Abdulsalam Jubril

The controversy over the budget padding in the House of Representatives is far from over with the recent brouhaha from various sectors within the polity. It all began when the self-professed born-again and sudden anti-corruption crusader, Abdulmumin Jibrin, sent shock waves throughout the country by alleging that some principal officers of the House where involved in the padding of the 2016 budget. The accidental whistleblower (accidental because from all indication, his revelation was as a result of the apparent falling out with the Speaker) has since turned into a media celebrity as his revelations have been causing a media frenzy. The print, visual and social media are all awash with pictures of the whistleblower, the implicated principal House members and stories of allegations and counter allegations. Reveling in the spotlight, the former House Chairman on Appropriation is undeniably the most popular man in Nigeria currently.

In some quarters, he is hailed as a hero; a brave anti-corruption crusader. While in other areas, he is seen as a snitch, betrayer and squealer as the case may be. However, albeit his alleged revelation is coming somewhat belatedly, nothing seems to be done about the lofty allegations. The anti-corruption agencies has suddenly become silent, the House wants to treat it as a “House” affair, while recently, the ruling party have wadded in, with the aim of trying to treat it as a party affair. While the accusation seems lofty and should be treated as a national issue, curiously though, many of us are simply watching from the comfort of our homes as the saga is unfolding. Thus far, there is generally the lack of public outcry and outrage which such a significant issue demands. Instead, what the scandal has elicited is that of amusement and our usual “siddon dey look mentality” to important issues especially bordering on corruption matters. Where are the vociferous calls for #occupyNass? Except for SERAP, TMG and a few others, the rest of us aren’t doing enough for the call on the government to transparently uncover the saga of the budget padding scandal and bring to book the culprits.
The bone of contention in the budget padding scandal is that certain lawmakers allocated huge sums of money for the constituency they represent via constituency projects (apparently, the usual norm annually). Perhaps because of greed or on the pretext that some constituencies are much larger or more populated than others, the allocation of the funds has always being lopsided.

While some get as much as N60 billion, others get as low as N2 million. Through dogged and investigative journalism though, we have learnt that the national lawmakers mostly use the constituency projects to crowd out legitimate and genuine capital projects the executive would have otherwise used to develop the country. The constituency projects are just a ruse, whereby the lawmakers put projects in the budgets, do the projects by themselves (which usually is not the case because they pocket the monies) or through contractors they nominate. Let’s even assume they execute the contract, what becomes of the projects in future when they cease to be members of the National Assembly? Who maintains such projects? I don’t think when they are out of office; they would still be willing to maintain the projects they executed while in office. That is why the executive via states, local governments or the federal governments execute projects to ensure maintenance and continuity.

In my view and like so many other like-minded discerning Nigerian, the constituency projects as being canvassed by lawmakers from all indications are illegal, criminal and wrapped in corruption. It is just a ploy to replenish their pockets especially after having spending so much during the politicking and electioneering process that got them into office. No wonder politics in our clime is that of a “do or die” mentality. In light of recent revelations, constituency projects should be scrapped and our law makers should concentrate solely on their role of enacting laws and oversight functions. Not to drill a bore-hole for more than N20 million under the guise of constituency project. The way the saga is unfolding though, we shouldn’t allow the House to be the judge, jury and executioner over this issue, neither should we allow it to become an intra-party affair.

The House must not be allowed to conduct an investigation by themselves; as the resultant effect would be that the scandal would most likely be swept under the rug like many other corruption allegations before this. As with every institution, there must be full accountability and probity for any leader or member of the House found to be responsible for corruption or abuse of office. Finally, if equity, fairness and justice are sacred or means anything to the present crop of lawmakers, then they should allow independent anti-corruption agencies to thoroughly and transparently investigate the lawmakers whose hands were caught in the cookie jar.

Written by Abdulsalam Jubril
You can follow me on Twitter via @Abdul_Jubril