Paschal Emeka, Abuja
The Speaker House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila has given reasons for alterations of some figures in the 2023 Budget.
The Speaker while fielding questions from Journalists at the State House on Tuesday, over the alleged hike of different figures in the Budget signed by President Muhammed Buhari, explained that such is the essence of separation of powers,” as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
According to the Speaker, “It behooves on the National Assembly, where it deems fit to adjust figures, either downwards or upwards adding that such is what legislature has done”
“That’s exactly what we have done,” he explained
Speaking further argued that had the National Assembly approved the budget as proposed by the Executive, the legislature would be tagged “rubber stamp.”
“…If you return the budget the exact way it is, you are called a rubber stamp. If you do what you’re supposed to do and adjust figures for the good of the country, you call it jacking up or inflation or padding.”
The Speaker used the opportunity to commend his colleagues for a job well done in the budget, emphasizing that all that was done was in the interest of Nigeria and the citizens.