Budget Padding: Jibrin ‘Drags’ Obasanjo In

The former Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Abdulmumin Jibrin, in an interview with John Alechenu has explained how he is getting support from some Nigerians in the ongoing Budget padding scandal, specifically calling out former President Obasanjo for encouraging him to hold on. When asked; Have you enjoyed any form of support from Nigerians? Jibrin said;

A lot of Nigerians have been supportive. I want to specially thank former President Olusegun Obasanjo. He’s been encouraging me to hold on. But you know, in his usual way, he would say, ‘All of you people are the same. But I am happy that you’ve pulled out of them and you are exposing


them. We will continue to give you support.’ That occasional intervention has helped me to stay on track. I believe that a lot of members of the House of Representatives are corrupt – but, not all. There are still a few that are honest. They have integrity. They are pained by what is happening in the institution. They are overpowered. I remember there was a statement Obasanjo made some time ago that there were lawmakers who came to Abuja in trailers and are now driving cars worth between N20m and N40m. He is right. That is the problem we have in the House of Representatives. We need to do background checks on people before they find their way into the House.