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Senator Dickson says capital budget delay shows governance has collapsed under Tinubu
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Alleges contractors unpaid despite completed work due to political distractions
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Calls for urgent Senate probe into why capital budget remains unimplemented
Senator Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa West has slammed the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for failing to implement the capital component of the 2024 national budget, accusing the federal government of abandoning governance in favour of political scheming ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking during plenary on Tuesday, Dickson decried what he called a disturbing trend in which critical government functions have been sidelined.
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He said the failure to release capital funds has paralysed development projects and left contractors stranded despite completing their jobs.
“Government has grounded, that’s what it means,” Dickson declared. “Contractors who have committed their own resources cannot be paid. The benefits of the budget we all passed have not reached the people.”
While the recurrent aspect of the 2024 budget covering salaries and administrative operations—has reportedly been fully disbursed, Dickson lamented that the capital expenditure, which directly impacts infrastructure and citizens’ livelihoods, remains untouched.
“This component is the real budget for the people,” he said. “It’s sad that nothing is moving forward because those in government are more concerned about receiving defectors and 2027 politics.”
He said reports of protests by contractors highlight the growing frustration across sectors. “A number of you on this floor may know about the demonstrations. People are angry,” Dickson told his colleagues.
He made the remarks during debate on a motion moved by Senator Solomon Adeola, chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, which sought to extend the capital implementation deadline to December 31, 2025.
Dickson supported the extension but criticised the lack of transparency. “Unlike other motions, this one has no compelling justification. From where I stand, we all know why this is happening — politics has overtaken governance.”
He further warned that both the executive and legislature are drifting away from their constitutional responsibilities.
“We were all elected to serve the people, including the president. But today, the business of governance is not moving forward.”
Dickson urged the Senate to mandate a joint inquiry by the committees on finance and appropriation to determine why capital funds have not been released. “Let the committees report back within one week. We cannot allow this to continue.”
Senator Yahaya Abdullahi of Kebbi North backed Dickson’s position, warning that the administration’s budget handling has eroded public trust.
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He added that despite warnings and alerts from the National Assembly, the executive has failed to respond meaningfully.
Dickson added that the issue is not a matter of funding. “We supported the subsidy withdrawal. States and LGs are receiving more revenue. So, the problem is not lack of money. Nigerians deserve to know what went wrong.”
