The unfolding budget scandal rocking the Gwagwalada Area Council has taken a more dramatic twist as community organizer, revolutionary voice, and human rights activist Manasseh B.P has openly condemned what he described as “organized legislative and executive hypocrisy,” warning that the entire system appears compromised.
In a strongly worded reaction following the recent outbursts by the Speaker’s camp and political actors within the council, Manasseh B.P said the latest attempt by the Speaker’s office to distance itself from the alleged illegal operation of government without an approved budget raises more questions than answers.
According to him, the people of Gwagwalada are not interested in selective outrage or political damage control.
“We have heard enough press statements,” Manasseh declared.
“The real question is: Why is the Speaker suddenly speaking now if he was not complicit from the beginning? Governance is not Nollywood. You cannot keep quiet while things allegedly happen behind closed doors and suddenly wake up acting like a saint when the public starts asking questions.”
The activist described the allegations surrounding the failure to transmit the budget to the legislative arm as “a disgrace to democratic governance,” insisting that both the executive and legislative arms of the council must be held accountable.
“If truly no budget was presented as claimed, and the government has allegedly been spending public funds daily without legislative approval, then this is beyond media drama. This is a serious constitutional and anti-corruption matter,” he said.
Manasseh further questioned why the Speaker of the council, RT Mohammed G. Ibrahim, has not formally petitioned anti-corruption agencies such as the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission if he genuinely believes the executive arm violated the law.
“If the Speaker truly believes public funds are being spent illegally, why has he not petitioned the ICPC? Why no official petition? Why no emergency legislative resolution? Why no public hearing? Why are we only hearing media outrage after months of silence?” Manasseh asked.
The activist also reignited disturbing allegations making rounds within political circles in Gwagwalada regarding an alleged ₦1 million cash distribution to councillors.
“There are allegations everywhere that councillors were allegedly given ₦1 million each. Nigerians deserve answers. Was money shared or not? Who authorized it? For what purpose?” he queried.
He went further to allege that there are growing whispers that the Speaker himself may have allegedly collected more than the amount reportedly shared among councillors.
“It is also being alleged publicly that the Speaker allegedly collected more than ₦1 million. These are serious accusations that cannot be swept under the carpet with press releases and emotional statements,” he added.
Manasseh insisted that the Speaker cannot position himself as a victim or hero while avoiding scrutiny over his own alleged role in the crisis.
“You cannot claim innocence while presiding over a legislature that allegedly watched unconstitutional spending happen in silence. If the Speaker knew and did nothing, then he has questions to answer. If he did not know, then that raises another problem about competence and transparency.”
He warned that the credibility of the legislative arm is now hanging by a thread and urged civil society organizations, anti-corruption agencies, and concerned residents of Gwagwalada to demand full disclosure of the council’s financial activities before the current administration exits office.
“The people deserve to know the truth. Enough of political theater. Enough of Banana Republic governance. Both the executive and legislative arms must come clean before history remembers this administration as one of the darkest moments in Gwagwalada’s democratic journey,” Manasseh concluded.