Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has condemned the actions of some heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), that failed to honour committee’s invitation during their respective 2021 budget defence sessions.
“I have observed during the recent budget defence process that there are still some ministries, departments and agencies that consider the exercise of the legislative authority to review their budget proposals as an undue incursion on the management of their offices. This posture stems from a fundamental misunderstanding of the legislative role in the appropriations process.
“Let me at this time reiterate that when the committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate convene to review the heads of expenditure contained in the Appropriation Bill, we do so in the exercise of clear and concise constitutional authority. Let me also state very clearly that this is a responsibility we take seriously, and will not evade, regardless of whatever objections may arise from any quarters.
“It is in the best interests of our country that all parties concerned subject themselves to this process in good faith, knowing that this too is an obligation of service to our country. We will pass the budget, and we will do it early, and we will do it right. The Nigerian people expect as much from us,” the speaker said Tuesday in an address to welcome his colleagues back in plenary, after the break embarked on for purpose of the 2021 budget consideration.
Also briefing members on the killing of a newspaper vendor, Ifeanyi Okereke by one his security aide last Thursday, Gbajabiamila said “on Thursday, 19th of November, Mr. Ifeanyi Okereke, a young Nigerian, died here in Abuja.
His death was the result of a gunshot by a former member of my security detail. Ifeanyi Okereke was a son and brother, and he was also the father of two children, including a son who was born seven days before his untimely death. I mourn the death of this young man. The House mourns his death,” he said.
