'We returned N7bn unspent fund' - Ex-Senate President boasts

The immediate past Senate President, Senator David Mark on Monday, July 20, has said that the National Assembly under his leadership was the first arm of government in Nigeria to return N7 billion unspent fund to the Federal Government purse.

David Mark with former President, Goodluck Jonathan.play

David Mark with former President, Goodluck Jonathan. (Naija Loaded)

He made this known in a statement issued by his Media Assistant, Paul Mumeh in Abuja. He insisted that parliamentary practices and procedures dictate that all issues were carried out in the open.

"With every sense of responsibility in 2008, the National Assembly under my leadership was the first arm of government to return the N7 billion unspent fund to the national treasury,” he said.

Mark, who was reacting to recent insinuations that the National Assembly budgets and salaries are shrouded in secrecy, maintained that such allegation was borne out of deliberate mischief, blackmail or outright ignorance.

David Mark with PDP National Chairman, Adamu Mua'zuplay

David Mark with PDP National Chairman, Adamu Mua'zu (PM News)

He added, "how can anyone claim that the National Assembly budget is secret, or that our earnings are secret?

"The National Assembly budget is part and parcel of the Federal budget. It is not a separate document.

"If anybody is in doubt, he or she should get a copy of the National budget and clarify.

"It is a public document, unless you are saying you have never seen the National budget.

"It is sad and ridiculous when people give impression that that the National Assembly Budget has continued to be increased annually.

David Mark presiding over one of the plenary sessions of the 7th National Assembly.play

David Mark presiding over one of the plenary sessions of the 7th National Assembly. (Channels TV)

"This is not correct. It is unwarranted and needless accusation."

Mark said that the National Assembly under his leadership was bold, courageous, steadfast and truly patriotic.

"We stood on the side of the people, the truth, and transparency and above all in the interest of the nation.’’

He cautioned against reducing critical national matters to politics, and stressed that people should not play politics with serious national issues like appropriations.