Members of the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-governmental Affairs have blamed the Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha for failing to appear before the Senate to defend the budget of his office for 2023 fiscal year.

The lawmakers complained that the SGF has consistently shunned invitations from the Senate since the inauguration of the 9th Senate in 2019, and again failed to appear for the last budget of President Buhari administration.

Some members of the committee called for the representative of the SGF, Mr. Morris Mbaeri, who is the Permanent Secretary, General Services be sent back, and return with Boss Mustapha on a later date.

However, the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Abba Moro ruled that the Permanent Secretary be allowed to present the budget on behalf of the SGF.

The Committee also pointed that an additional 200 million for personal cost was added to the budget of his office when the office has not embarked on recruitment in the last five years.

In response, the Permanent Secretary explained that the new provisions were for new presidential aides appointed for President Buhari, officers promoted in the SGF office and grants for retiring staff.

The lawmakers also accused the SGF of not adhering to the principle of federal character in the nominal roll of the staff of his office. (Nigerian Tribune)