Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North Senatorial District, has urged opposition parties to reflect on their past actions while raising concerns over the alleged inclusion of a “phantom agency” in Nigeria’s Appropriation Act.
Oshiomhole made the remark during an interview with TVC News while reacting to reports of an agency that allegedly received a N1.3 billion budgetary allocation despite claims that it lacked official approval to operate.
The development has triggered criticism from opposition parties, who have questioned how such an agency found its way into the national budget and raised concerns about the transparency of the budget process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In response, Oshiomhole referenced what he described as the “Wuse market era,” recalling the public dispute between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and his former deputy, Atiku Abubakar.
He said political actors should remember that previous administrations also experienced controversies, urging critics to allow ongoing investigations to determine the facts.
“I recall what I call the Wuse market period, when the former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, and his vice were engaged in a very public and bitter feud,” Oshiomhole said.
He also recalled allegations made by Atiku against the Obasanjo administration over the alleged misuse of funds from the Petroleum Equalization Fund, saying the disagreement between the two leaders became a public affair.
The former Edo State governor stressed that while governance challenges exist in every country, accountability and the willingness to confront facts remain important.
He noted that the House of Representatives is currently investigating the alleged phantom agency and advised Nigerians to allow the process to run its course.
According to him, officials including the Director of Budget, representatives from the Accountant-General’s office, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, who was reportedly linked to the provision of office space for the agency, would be required to explain how the allocation was approved.
Oshiomhole expressed confidence that the National Assembly would uncover how the agency was inserted into the budget and ensure accountability.
Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.