The Senate has said that contrary to the views being expressed by “some mischievous elements” that the Red Chamber is mocking the anti-graft war of the Federal Government, there are more than enough proofs to show that the lawmakers are working to strengthen the anti-corruption process and institutions for increasing the efficiency of the war.
Senators, according to a statement, signed by the Spokesperson of the Senate, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, definitely acknowledge the successes and achievements recorded so far by the Buhari administration in the bid to eradicate corruption.
Abdullahi said that his colleagues acknowledge that a lot has been done in the last two years to eliminate the vice of corruption from the national psyche.
“Available facts point to the fact that the 8th Senate is really complementing the efforts of the executive arm in order to achieve better results,” Abdullahi said.
He added that “On Wednesday this week alone, two anti-corruption bills passed the second reading stage in the Senate and were referred to relevant committees for further action. The bills are : 1) the Proceeds of Crime Bill and 2.) Assets Forfeiture Bill. Both bills are private member bills sponsored by Senators. A third anti-corruption bill is already in the works.
“Also, on Wednesday, the Senate passed a motion in which it resolved that all statutory corporations should submit their budget estimates within two weeks and should refrain from spending money on capital projects.
“This is a strong move to block loopholes through which revenues due to government are being siphoned. That is sure one of the boldest moves to stop corruption in revenue generating agencies,” he said.
He stated that with all these moves, Senators are backing their talk on fight against corruption with tangible action.
“Therefore, mischief makers who want to knock the heads of the executive and the legislature should desist from their dirty antics,” Abdullahi said. “These two arms are working from different angles to achieve a common purpose. The goal to eliminate corruption is shared by both arms of government.”
