“How Nigerian Lawmakers Pressure Officials to Manipulate Budgets,” Ex-INEC Boss Speaks, Video Trends

• Prof Attahiru Jega, former INEC chairman, has narrated how federal lawmakers manipulate national budgets
• At an event organized by ICPC in Abuja on Wednesday, November 13, Jega revealed that legislators tried to influence budget allocations and secure government contracts by pressurizing top officeholders
• In a video that is making the rounds on the internet, Jega reflected on his time as INEC boss and shared his major challenge

Legit.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), revealed that members of the National Assembly pressure public officials to manipulate the national budgets for their own gains.

Speaking 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, Jega recalled how some legislators attempted to influence budget allocations and secure contracts, undermining public officials’ efforts to maintain integrity.

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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.

Mr Jega further described his time as INEC chairman as a “trial of endurance,” particularly 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, Legit.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: Legit.ng