Oscarline Onwuemenyi, with agency reports
07 May 2017, Sweetcrude, Abuja – The National Assembly has explained the reason for the delay in the passage of the 2017 Appropriations Act, even as it has assured Nigerians that the legislative body will pass the 2017 Budget on May 9.
Sen. Ibrahim Gobir, who was speaking to newsmen in Sokoto on Saturday, noted that, “The delay in its passage is to allow the effective harmonisation of the documents by both the Senate and the House of Representatives.”
Gobir said that the National Assembly was committed to further improving the general welfare of Nigerians.
“The National Assembly members would, therefore, intensify oversight functions, ensure timely releases of funds, as well as ensure their judicious utilisation.
“The National Assembly is for the entire country, but, we will continue to provide checks and balances, and will always advise properly,” he said
Gobir further said that the National Assembly was trying its best to ensure peace and harmony among all arms of government.
According to him, the lawmakers are not oblivious of the principles of separation of powers as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution.
“We will continue to operate as partners and will always have mutual respective for all the arms and tiers of government. The governments are trying their best to sustain peace and order in the country, just as the Boko Haram insurgency had been surmounted.
“We will continue to support the governments in this direction to make lives better, secure and more prosperous for all Nigerians,” Gobir said.
Source: NAN