SDP presidential candidate faults Senate’s refusal to probe military spending

Adewole Adebayo, presidential candidate for the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has strongly criticized the Nigerian Senate's decision to reject a proposal that would have investigated military spending. This rejection occurred despite the country's escalating insecurity.

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The issue is not just budgeting money for defence. It is whether the money reaches the armed forces and is properly utilised. This administration budgeted N5.413tn for defence and security without any positive result.

Adebayo argued that accountability in defense expenditure should not be compromised, even under the pretext of maintaining troop morale. He emphasized that Nigerians are entitled to transparency regarding the utilization of security funds. Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Adebayo questioned the efficacy of the government's security spending, noting that substantial budgetary allocations have not yielded significant improvements in the nation's security situation. "The issue is not just budgeting money for defence. It is whether the money reaches the armed forces and is properly utilised. This administration budgeted N5.413tn for defence and security without any positive result," he stated.

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The legislative arms of government said they want to probe, but the Senate told Nigerians that it will undermine the troops’ morale and operational effectiveness. The truth of the matter is this: the money in question is even supposed to be for future defence, not for security or intelligence.

The SDP candidate also challenged the Senate's reasoning for rejecting the probe, which cited potential damage to troop morale and operational effectiveness. Adebayo suggested that the funds in question might not even be for current security needs but for future defense. He further criticized the government's strategy for combating insecurity, particularly its policy of reintegrating repentant terrorists, asserting that more effective measures are needed to protect communities.

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These are problems we can overcome, but leadership must be willing to do what is right.

Beyond security, Adebayo addressed electoral reforms, advocating for constitutional amendments to guarantee the full independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He believes the President's power to appoint electoral commissioners erodes public trust in the electoral process. Adebayo concluded by stating that Nigeria's challenges are surmountable with practical governance and a focus on citizen welfare, provided leaders are willing to act correctly.

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INEC cannot be truly independent when politicians appoint those running it.