Abuja: Sen Kawu Sumaila (APC Kano) has called on the Senate to investigate the alleged inclusion of an illegal agency in the 2026 national budget, emphasizing the need for the National Assembly to determine the process through which it was included.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Sumaila addressed newsmen after a plenary, where he raised the matter under Order 9(c) of the Senate Rules as a matter of privilege. He highlighted public allegations and criticisms surrounding the agency’s existence, stressing the importance of the Senate addressing the issue. Sumaila emphasized that his primary concern was not the agency’s creation but the manner in which it was incorporated into the national budget.
Sumaila explained that the controversial budget provision could have originated from either the executive or the national assembly’s budget appropriation process. He stressed the need for clarity on who facilitated the agency’s budget inclusion. The lawmaker also commended President Bola Tinubu for initiating
an executive investigation but underscored the legislature’s constitutional duty to conduct its own inquiry.
Responding to questions, Sumaila noted that the Senate was not required to debate his motion, asserting that the privilege order he relied upon allowed him the right to raise the matter. He stated that the Senate approved the initial aspect of his motion but opted not to debate the substantive elements.
Sumaila reiterated his concern about identifying the individual responsible for authorizing the agency’s inclusion in the appropriation process and whether any funds had been released. He stressed that knowing the details of any financial transactions related to the agency was crucial.
The senator concluded by affirming that while the president holds the power to establish agencies for administrative purposes, the appropriation of public funds is a responsibility reserved for the national assembly. He invoked the privilege provisions of the Senate rules to ensure he could raise the issue without obst
ruction, emphasizing that history would judge whether constitutional responsibilities were fulfilled.