A member of House of Representatives representing Epe Federal Constituency in Lagos State, Hon Wale Raji (APC), has said that Nigerians would soon know the true story about budget padding – an issue that has been rocking the green chambers recently.
Raji, in a chat with journalist in Lagos, stated that the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, was on top of the situation, noting that he was using the ongoing recess to further interact with his people and carry out a number of empowerments in his constituency.
Raji said: “The truth is that there is nothing I will say that one person or the other has not said since the whole issue started. “However, we have an instruction from the party not to comment, especially to gentlemen of the press and I believe you are aware. So as a disciplined party member, I am complying with that directive’’.
“The only thing I can say is to appeal to Nigerians to be patient. They will definitely hear all about it when the House resumes on September 13. I know everyone is eager but once the House sits in less than a month from now, we will all know the way forward.”
On allegations that lawmakers siphon monies meant for constituency projects, Raji urged the media to investigate them. “It is not just enough to base your reaction on hearsay. There must be evidence that projects budgeted for was not done. This is how it works: A lawmaker is allowed to nominate projects equal to a certain amount for execution in his or her constituency.
“It is then domiciled in one of the federal MDAs. So if there will be any mismanagement of fund earmarked, it requires the collaboration of that MDA, because a legislator cannot award contract, neither can he or she make payment.
“The budget in an open document. Those saying lawmakers go behind to collect cash should investigate and provide evidence to relevant agencies.” Raji further disclosed that the 17 APC lawmakers from Lagos had agreed to join resources to do a huge project in the State.
“In the budget, states in South-west got N6 billion, to be shared equally, that’s N1billion per state also to be shared equally. But the arithmetic is unfair because while Lagos has more population and 24 federal constituencies, others have by far lower population and federal constituencies less than 15.”
