Public office holders must be accountable – Dukawa

A political analyst, Dr Sa’idu Ahmad Dukawa, in this interview examined the powers attached to the position of appropriation chairman in the legislature and called for stronger legislative oversight, transparency and accountability in the budget process.

What do you make of the Committee on Appropriations in the National Assembly?

The committee is a very powerful one. The proposals of all ministries, departments and agencies have to pass through the committee for consideration as part of the budget process before the National Assembly approves them. For that reason, a great deal of lobbying takes place.

Many ministries, departments and agencies lobby for the approval of their proposals in the budget. The responsibilities of the chairman and the committee generally make the position very influential because of the strategic decisions taken at that level.

What privileges and political leverage does it confer on its chairman and other members?

The privileges associated with the position are a major reason for its influence. In political circles, people sometimes refer to certain projects as “juicy” because they attract substantial funding.

There are allegations and concerns that some projects with significant funding are sometimes allocated in ways that favour the committee or its chairman before proposals are approved. Such practices, where they occur, can give the occupant access to considerable resources and political leverage.

These resources can, in turn facilitate political activities and help the chairman build support in his constituency and beyond. However, the budget process should be governed by established rules, transparency and the public interest.

Given the strategic importance of the committee, to what extent can its chairman influence the allocation of projects and funds to lawmakers’ constituencies, government agencies and different sectors of the economy?

The chairman can exercise considerable influence because federal projects and programmes must pass through the budget process, in which the committee plays an important role.

By and large, committee chairmen wield considerable authority within their committees. There are instances in which a chairman’s position on a proposal can significantly influence, whether it is approved or rejected, with little resistance from other members.

Consequently, the chairman can influence decisions concerning projects and programmes. The extent of that influence may depend on the individual’s leadership style, political connections and ability to work with other members.

In the case of the current chairman, Abubakar Kabir Abubakar, popularly known as Abba Bichi, what does his position mean for him within the House, his relationship with the executive and standing in Kano State politics?

I think the current chairman, Abba Bichi, possesses the kind of influence that comes from political experience, personal relationships and an understanding of political manoeuvring.

He knows how to relate with members of his committee and the National Assembly generally. He also understands how to engage strategically with members of the executive and other influential political figures without creating unnecessary friction.

In that regard, he wields influence, not only in Kano politics but also at the national level.

His ability to maintain relationships with different political actors is an important factor in understanding his position within the political establishment.

How can the holder of that office be assessed?

It is difficult because many decisions are taken behind the scenes. Access to relevant information is necessary to understand what is happening.

However, one can examine publicly available information and political developments to assess the situation. For instance, the distribution of vehicles and other forms of support to constituents and political supporters can be examined alongside the chairman’s public activities and the resources available to him.

For Abba Bichi, his political reconciliation with Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin also raises questions about the extent of his influence in Kano politics.

On budget transparency and accountability, there are concerns that deserve closer scrutiny. Reports of misplaced priorities and imbalances in the allocation of public resources raise questions about whether spending decisions adequately reflect the needs of Nigerians.

When one considers the distribution of federal projects across different regions, including the South-West and Lagos State, there is a need for clear explanations of the criteria used in allocating resources.

The public deserves transparent information on how budget priorities are determined, how projects are selected and whether allocations reflect the needs of the country as a whole.

What can be done to check holders of this position?

One way to check the powers of the chairman is to ensure that the committee has knowledgeable and credible members who understand the budget process and are prepared to insist on transparency.

Members should be capable of scrutinising proposals independently and questioning decisions that do not serve the public interest. Oversight must operate both within the committee and during plenary proceedings of the House.

There is also a need for external checks. Civil society organisations, anti-corruption groups and other pressure groups should demand information about the committee’s activities and publicise credible findings.

The media also has a significant responsibility through investigative journalism. Journalists should examine budget documents, investigate decisions taken behind closed doors where evidence permits and ask questions about the allocation and implementation of projects.

The chairman should also be given opportunities to explain the committee’s decisions publicly through interviews and media discussions in which Nigerians can ask questions.

These mechanisms can help make the office and its occupant more accountable and responsive to the public.