2025 Budget allegations: We are committed to highest ethical standards – Reps

The House of Representatives said on Wednesday that it is committed to transparency, accountability, and the highest ethical standards in all its legislative activities.

The House described as false, allegations that it’s Committee on University Education demanded inducement from Vice-Chancellors of Federal Universities to approve their 2025 budget allocations.

House Spokesman, Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr said in a statement that the value of transparency abs accountability remain the bedrock of the operations of the House.

He said “ These values form the bedrock of our operations. It is, therefore, imperative to address the baseless and sensational allegations in the report, which appear to be part of a deliberate attempt to undermine the integrity of the House and erode public trust in this hallowed institution”

“ The budget process is a constitutionally guided and transparent exercise”

He said further that “the 2025 Appropriation Bill was presented by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to a Joint Session of the National Assembly, attended by key members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and the public.

“ Following the presentation, various Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) have been appearing at open Andrew public sessions to defend their budget proposals before the relevant committees.

“These sessions ensure rigorous scrutiny and accountability in public finance management”

Rotimi expressed concerns that some heads of federal tertiary institutions have failed to appear for these Budget Defence Sessions, despite their constitutional obligation to do so.

According to him “This disregard for the legislative process not only impedes legislative oversight and undermines the principles of accountability, but demonstrates disregard for the parliament, and the Nigerian people.

“Furthermore, it is a matter of public record that some of these tertiary institutions have pending audit queries from the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation and have consistently failed to appear before the House Committee on Public Accounts to clarify these issues.

“This evasion raises questions about their governance practices and financial stewardship

“This is in addition to disturbing allegations of sexual harassment, abuse of office and high handedness in their dealings with staff and students, for which legislative oversight provides a crucial platform to address in the spirit of transparency.

“It is also noteworthy that recent oversight visits by the House Committee on University Education have revealed troubling governance practices in certain institutions. While the final report is being compiled, preliminary findings in certain institutions suggest a pattern of serious malfeasance that demand thorough investigation.

“These engagements provide an opportunity for institutions to demonstrate accountability, yet some individuals have chosen to deflect with unfounded accusations and blackmail.

“To be clear, the House acknowledges the commitment of the majority of university administrators, who are diligent and patriotic Nigerians working to advance education and national development.”

He said the actions of a few actors seeking to evade scrutiny cannot be overlooked as the House remains resolute in holding public institutions accountable while respecting due process.