CSOs Demand Transparency in 2024 Budget Allocation, Threaten Protests

The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has written to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, demanding a Certified True Copy of the 2024 budget, including projects linked to the allegedly padded N3trillion. The CSOs, under Sections 1, 4, and 9 of the Freedom of Information Act 2011, also demanded a Certified True Copy of constituency projects benefiting all senators in the 2024 budget appropriation.

The letter, signed by the CSOs’ Director of Communication and Strategy, Haruna Abdulsalam, warned that failure to provide the documents within seven days would force them to mobilize for protests for a change in Senate leadership.

The CSOs believe the allegations are of grave concern to all Nigerians, especially during the critical time of hunger and starvation, and the potential adverse effects on the economy and living standards. The CSOs believe that the Senate leadership should have investigated the allegations and considered all evidence before making a decision.

If the CSOs do not receive a response within seven days, they will have no other option but to mobilize over 200 Civil Society Organisations to demand a change in Senate leadership.