Finally, National Assembly Transmits Budget 2016 To Buhari

At last the National Assembly Wednesday transmitted the detailed Budget 2016 to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent.

Indications that the budget would be sent emerged when Chairman House Committee on Appropriation, Rep Abdulmunin Jibrin, APC, Kano was sighted at NASS lobby carrying the 1800 page budget by journalists at about 4.30pm.

He was confronted by journalists and he begged that he should be allowed to deliver the document first to the Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr Salisu Maikuwa for onward transmission to Mr President.

At precisely 4.57pm Jibrin stepped out of Maikusuwa’s office and addressed the press. He said the 2016 budget remains one of the most challenging budgets they (lawmakers) ever experienced. He explained that “the Special Adviser and Senior Special Assistant to the president on NASS Affairs have been duly informed and I expect them to deliver it as soon as possible”.

” While we thank Nigerians for their patience and understanding, it is important to reiterate that it took us extra weeks to get the details ready not because there was anything untoward going on but rather so we could correct all the inconsistencies, errors, omissions and padding in the document submitted to us in December last year”.

Confirming the submission, Abdulmumin took to his twitter handle to write, “We specifically urge the President to abide strictly with provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act which stipulates that the appropriation bill be presented early so that there could be sufficient time for interactive sessions between the executive and the legislature before the commencement of committee hearings.