I’ll give details of 2016 budget controversies in future, says former committee chair

Abdulmumin Jibrin, former chairman of the federal house of representatives committee on appropriation, says he will discuss details of the controversies around the 2016 budget, in future.

At the close of plenary on Wednesday, Speaker Yakubu Dogara announced that Jibrin had been replaced with Mustapha Dawaki Bala as chairman of the committee.

But speaking to journalists later, Jibrin stated that he loved his job as appropriation chair but due to circumstances and issues in the house, he had to step down from the position.

“I was not forced to resign, I resigned on my own. I resigned of my own volition,” he said.

“As members of the press, you have a responsibility. If anybody tells you that I was forced to resign, the person is in the better position to tell you why I was forced to resign.

“I am sure Mr. Speaker was surprised himself when I told him and I know he has dealt with me and he understands my personality type; he knows that when I say I have taken a decision, I have taken it and there is no going back, I want to leave.

“I love my job as chairman appropriation. If I tell you I don’t like it, then I am lying. I have passion for the job but it is circumstantial and what I needed to do at this time is to step aside and you have heard what I have said.”

He explained that during his time as appropriation chair, he never abused his office.

“If anybody has anything that amounts to an abuse of my office or amounts to an illegality, it should be brought forward and reported to the authorities or the internal disciplinary of the house and it should take its course,” he said.

The lawmaker added that in due course, he would provide details on controversies that surrounded the 2016 budget.

“Of course, you are all aware of the issues with the 2016 budget; I have always maintained that as chairman appropriation I did my very best.

“Some of the details I will be providing in future in due course, but for now when I sit down and reflect on the issues, the responsibility rests on my desk.

“Even if I am not at fault, it is only proper that I take responsibility and in any case there have been a lot of issues within the house and best I think I should do is to step aside so that the committee can move forward.”