Those alleging budget padding do not understand Arithmetic – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has taken a swipe at Senator Abdul Ningi over the claim that the 2024 budget was padded to the tune of N3.7 trillion.

Speaking when he hosted the leadership of the Senate to break the Ramadan fast at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the president said those making such claim lack understanding of arithmetic.

He said his administration would always encourage cooperation with the National Assembly for the advancement of the country.

Tinubu also noted that the integrity of the National Assembly must remain intact even as he thanked the Senate for their corporation since assumption of office.

“I know the arithmetic of the budget and the numbers that I brought to the National Assembly, and I know what numbers came back. I appreciate all of you for the expeditious handling of the budget.”

“Those who are talking about malicious embellishment in the budget; did not understand the arithmetic and did not refer to the baseline of what I brought. But your integrity is intact.

“I am grateful for what you have been doing. The natural challenge we are facing will be over.”

Tinubu also noted that things were getting better, saying, “we are about turning the corner. Our revenue has improved. All we have to do is control expenditure and manage ourselves better.”

Speaking on the recent killing of soldiers in Delta State, the President insisted that the killers will face the full wrath of the law

He said, “Our armed forces are working hard, and we will not allow attackers to undermine the integrity and value of our armed forces and its leadership.

“We will continue to encourage and fight for our sovereignty, our individual rights to exist, and we will succeed in banishing poverty from our land. ”

In his remarks, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, disclosed that regular interactions would enhance understanding and good governance.

He also assured the President of continuous collaboration between the two arms of government.