NIGERIA: Shehu Sani Questions Nigerians’ Reluctance To Criticise Lawmakers Over Loan Approvals

By Utebor Paul, Nigeria 

Nigerian Former Senator, Shehu Sani has expressed concern over Nigerians’ selective criticism of government officials involved in loan approvals.

In a statement shared on social media, Sani questioned why citizens often attack the President for requesting loans but remain silent about the role of their Senators and House of Representatives members in approving such requests.

“You attack the President for requesting for loan but you are afraid of calling out your Senator and Reps member for approving it. I still wonder why people are afraid of mentioning the names of their lawmakers,” Sani wrote.

The former lawmaker further speculated on the possible reasons for this reluctance, suggesting it could stem from fear of reprisals from political thugs or intimidation from social media supporters of the lawmakers.

The Senate approved Tinubu’s request for a ₦1.77 trillion ($2.2 billion) external loan on November 21, 2024, barely two days after receiving the proposal.

The loan is intended to partially finance the deficit in the 2024 national budget. The borrowing will reportedly be sourced from Eurobonds and other financial instruments, with funds directed toward ongoing infrastructure and development projects.

During the Senate plenary, the approval was granted without extensive debate, following recommendations by its Committee on Local and Foreign Debt.