“How Lawmakers Pressure Officials to Manipulate National Budgets,” Ex-INEC Boss Speaks, Video Trends
TheTalk.NG journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.
FCT, Abuja – On Wednesday, November 13, Attahiru Jega, the former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), recalled his experience of how members of the National Assembly pressure public officials to manipulate the national budgets for their own gains.
Former INEC chairman Jega speaks on the manipulation of the national budget by lawmakers.
Photo credit: Nigerian Senate, STRINGER/AFP via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Mr. Jega made this revelation in his keynote address at the Anti-corruption Training for Norm and Behaviour Change, organized by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in Abuja on Wednesday.
In an interview that has gone viral, the former INEC boss critiqued the pressures top officials face, particularly from the legislative branch and noted that corruption in the public sector is a “significant impediment” to Nigeria’s development.
Speaking further, he recalled how some legislators attempted to influence budget allocations and secure contracts, undermining public officials’ efforts to maintain integrity.
Reflecting on his time at INEC, Mr Jega described it as a “trial of endurance,” noting the constant pressures from lawmakers to manipulate the agency’s budget and contracts.
Jega stated thus:
“There are people—there may be legislators here—but I want to say it quite categorically—they put people under very difficult positions to do their job, even with the right mindset.”
“Resisting these pressures required a thick skin.”
“It’s important to avoid vulnerabilities that could be exploited for compliance.”
Watch the video below:
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Tinubu meets Jega
Earlier, TheTalk.NG reported that President Bola Tinubu met with Professor Attahiru Jega, at the presidential villa on Thursday, September 19, 2024.
Jega visited the villa to submit his report on the proposed ministry of livestock to President Tinubu.
Recall that President Tinubu earlier this year appointed Jega as the co-chairman of the presidential committee on the implementation of livestock reforms.
Source: TheTalk.NG
