Read why Saraki’s biggest critic refused to convene budget defence hearing

– Marafa explains reasons for not convening budget defence meeting

– Says he does not recognise the committees set

– Clarifies that first time senators should not be given committee chairmanship

Senator Kabiru Marafa, known for being opposed to the Senate president, Bukola Saraki, has explained reasons for not convening a budget defence meeting with the National Population Commission (NPC) which he oversees.

Marafa, who spoke to our correspondent on Tuesday, said he did not convene budget defence session because there was no need and he did not want to waste taxpayers money.

He said he had to follow a logic earlier set by the Senate official spokesperson.

READ ALSO: Saraki Shuts Mouths Of Dissenting Senators

“I am not a hypocrite. When question against the legality of the committees whose number was raised from 57 to 65 without recourse to Laid down law was raised, the spokesperson said by approving votes and proceedings the amendment of the Senate order to raise the number of committees had taken place.

“Following that logic, the days the appropriation bill was read for the dirar and second time, we approved votes and proceedings. Therefore, the budget has been passed.

“So, why should I waste taxpayers’ money to convene meeting again. They should just tell the public we had passed the budget because its readings had been captured in the votes and proceedings just as the Senate official spokesperson said in respect of the committees,” he said.

However, has added “at any rate, I don’t recognise the committees. They are illegal and violate the Senate Order. The number was increased without concurrence of the Senate.”

Marafa also clarified that he never said first time senators should not be given committee chairmanship.

“I would not have said that because the number of the committees is more than the number of returning senators. What I am saying is that first time senators can’t be given chairmanship at the expense of returning senators,” he explained.

READ ALSO: Saraki behind budget controversies – Senator Marafa

On the investigation before committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, he hit at the committee for not giving him chance to defend himself before laying its report today.

Marafa was expected at the committee’s hearing on Monday after he allegedly made statements deemed as disparaging the Senate, but refused to attend.

He explained he was not invited for the hearing and expressed surprise at the committee which laid its report Tuesday.

Although he admitted he received an invitation letter to appear on February 18, he said he wrote back through his aide that he was in Kaduna to condole with his friend, Suleiman Hunkuyi, who lost his mother.

“So, for the hearing held yesterday (Monday), I was not invited and I challenge them to bring evidence to prove me wrong.

“I have no reason to shun the committee; I want to go and defend myself. I stand by everything I said,” he said.

Senators on Tuesday, February 16 lashed out on Senator Marafa representing Zamfara central senatorial district over interview with Punch newspaper.

This was raised as a point of order by Senator Isa Hamman Misau representing Bauchi central senatorial district.

While speaking on the issue, he expressed his anger and disappointment in the senator saying that no lawmaker should be allowed to tarnish the image of the senate.

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