Victor EzejaThe Presidency has denied the existence of any conflict between it and the National Assembly arising from the alterations made in the 2022 budget by the lawmakers.
President Buhari had while signing the Appropriation Bill into law on Friday 31 December 2021, in the presence of Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, and other members of the Federal Executive Council, expressed strong reservations about the changes made on the budget describing it as “worrisome” and stated that he would revert to the National Assembly with a request for amendment as soon as it resumes session to avoid suffering setback as a result of fiscal deficit.
Changes made in the budget involved reductions in provisions for some critical projects and introduction of new projects (6,576 new schemes worth about N37 billion) for some ministries and their agencies.
The President had said, “I must express my reservations about many of the changes that the National Assembly has made to the 2022 Executive Budget proposal.
‘‘Some of the worrisome changes are as follows:
‘‘Increase in projected FGN Independent Revenue by N400 billion, the justification for which is yet to be provided to the Executive.
‘‘Reduction in the provision for Sinking Fund to Retire Maturing Bonds by N22 billion without any explanation.
‘‘Reduction of the provisions for the Non-Regular Allowances of the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Navy by N15 billion and N5 billion respectively.”
‘‘This is particularly worrisome because personnel cost provisions are based on agencies’ nominal roll and approved salaries/allowances.
‘‘Furthermore, an increase of N21.72 billion in the Overhead budgets of some MDAs, while the sum of N1.96 billion was cut from the provision for some MDAs without apparent justification.
‘‘Increase in the provision for Capital spending (excluding Capital share in Statutory Transfer) by a net amount of N575.63 billion, from N4.89 trillion to N5.47 trillion.’’
However, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity, Garba Shehu in a statement on Monday January 3, 2022, stated that the president’s comments on the changes in the budget does not amount to controversy, explaining that it was normal for disagreement to occur between the executive and the legislature in every democratic system.
He added that the executive and members of the current 9th National Assembly carry out their activities in a way that promotes national interest rather than playing divisive political games which destroy the democratic system.
“The Presidency wishes to clear the air regarding the widely-viewed/reported episode on Friday, December 31st at the State House during the signing of the 2022 Budget and Finance Bill by President Muhammadu Buhari; specifically on the insertion in the 2022 Appropriation Act, of 6,576 new schemes worth about N37 billion by the National Assembly.
“While it is true that the President expressed disagreement with these and many of the other alterations, including the “reduction in the provisions for many strategic capital projects to introduce ‘Empowerment Projects’,” innumerable lies are being spread about the President being “angry” at, had “blasted” or “lashed out” at the Parliament. This cannot be farther from the truth.
“Mr. President was clear and candid in expressing his reservations with the numerous changes to the 2022 Budget made by the National Assembly, which would hamper its implementation,” part of the statement reads.
He noted that under the constitution, both arms of government are coequal and at the same time, independent and interdependent, adding that they work with understanding and cooperation which the President as a democrat fully accepts.
The Presidency further explained that Buhari signed the 2022 Appropriation Bill into law to avoid challenges of delay in implementation especially in areas that would have great developmental impacts on the livelihoods of ordinary Nigerians if effectively implemented.
“Given Mr. President’s commitment to improving the lot of the Common Man, it was felt that it would not be wise to throw away the baby with the bathwater. Ongoing Capital Projects, Critical Recurrent Votes, Priority New Projects – all feature in the 2022 Budget and Mr. President’s forbearance in assenting to the Budget will save these provisions from implementation delays and other challenges,” the statement further indicated.
Shehu added that it was in the interest of smooth democratic system that the president assented to the bill and directed that a budget amendment proposal be prepared to be submitted to the parliament once they return from recess for consideration and approval.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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