Senate President Bukola Saraki says the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government does not approve or release funds without due process.

• Saraki said this on Thursday after the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekeweremadu informed the Red Chamber that they were supposed to debate the $1 billion meant to be withdrawn from the excess crude account.
• The Deputy Senate President demanded an explanation on why the matter was not listed on the order paper.
• Saraki explained that the motion would not be taken because Senator Samuel Anyanwu (Imo East) who had drawn the attention of the Senate to the issue on Wednesday was not around.
• He assured the senators that the money would not be spent until they debate the matter.

“As you can see, he is not here. So, we have to put it down. Next legislative day is when we resume. It would be the first item on the order paper,” he said.

“We cannot take it when the person is not here and it’s a very important motion that needs to be delivered very well.

“It cannot be delegated. We would take it. I assure you that we would take it… our party does not do things like that; we would not spend money without following due process. I am assuring you that the money would not be spent until we come back and debate it. Leader, I hope you heard the commitment I made on behalf of all of us.”