 |
| Finance Minister Faces Criticism Over Senate Transparency |
HEDA has raised eyebrows over Finance Minister Wale Edun's recent push for a closed-door session during the Senate's probe into subsidy funds and budget performance behind closed doors suddenly. This move sends the wrong message at a time when Nigerians are clamouring for transparency in the management of their hard-earned taxes and national resources, allegedly.
Olanrewaju Suraju HEDA's chairman didn't hold back; he criticized the idea of shutting the public out of discussions on critical issues like savings from subsidy removal and the performance of government budgets. If we're in the dark about how funds are being managed, how can we hold leaders accountable? Suraju pointed out in a statement that has sparked conversations across the nation.
The Senate Committee on Appropriation is tasked with unravelling the complex numbers behind government expenditure, but this closed-door request has cast doubt on their commitment to transparency. HEDA isn’t buying it. They’ve made it clear: Nigerians deserve to hear what’s happening, unfiltered.
The controversy didn’t stop there. HEDA also called out public officials for showing up unprepared to face the Senate probe, accusing them of hiding behind procedural smokescreens to dodge accountability. "What’s the point of a probe if the answers are vague and the process is hidden from view?" Suraju asked, echoing the frustration of many citizens.
HEDA’s demands are simple but firm. They want the government to adopt a transparent approach to managing public funds. Their recommendations include publishing detailed updates on how resources are allocated and spent, as well as releasing monthly Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) reports to the public.
While this debate unfolds, one thing is clear: Nigerians are watching. At a time when trust in governance is shaky at best, every move matters. Whether the Senate will prioritize transparency over convenience remains to be seen, but HEDA’s call for accountability has undoubtedly struck a chord.