2016 Budget Controversy: Dogara Sacks Jibrin As Appropriation Committee Chair

Abdulmumin JibrinIn what can only be a strong message to members of the House of Representatives, who abuse their positions that it will no longer be business as usual, Speaker Yakubu Dogara has removed Abdulmumin Jibrin (APC, Kano) as Chairman of the Committee of Appropriation.

Jibrin, an ally of the Speaker, was enmeshed in controversy following revelations that he padded the 2016 budget with projects worth over N4 billion to his Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency of Kano State.

SEE: 2016 Budget: Allegations Against Us “Unfounded” – Goje, Jibrin •Urge NASS To Revisit Budget Details

Following the revelations, several lawmakers, including members of his committee, demanded for his resignation but Dogara prevailed on them to sheathe their swords.

In both chambers of the National Assembly, the committee on appropriation is considered the “juiciest” of all the committees as it is saddled with the responsibility of appropriating funds for the running of the country.

Rep. Jibrin’s removal was announced on the floor of the House on Wednesday by Mr. Dogara, who announced Rep. Mustapha Bala Dawaki (APC, Kano) as the new chairman of the committee on appropriation.

Dawaki hitherto chaired the committee on housing.