Saraki Promises Early Passage of 2016 Appropriation Bill, Worries About Implementation
Senate President Bukola Saraki has promised that the 2016 Budget proposal now before the National Assembly will not have a difficult passage in the Senate and House of Representatives.
The budget proposal, he said, is a good document aimed at tackling the problems in the country.
But he expressed worries about its implementation as he cautioned that the bureaucracy should not be allowed to defeat the good intentions of the budget.
Saraki, who was at the Villa to pay Christmas homage to President Muhammadu Buhari spoke to State House Correspondents shortly after the meeting with Mr. President.
He said: “You know as we said, we are going to work on the Budget as quickly as possible. We are conscious of its importance to Nigeria and we are not going to waste time. As soon as we come back, we get down to work and do what we have to do.”
“It is a good document, it has addressed the major issues, 70 percent capital and infrastructure. The key issue now is really implementation. We as a National Assembly will ensure that we get our oversight right.
“By and large as a document, it is a good document and I am sure it will not have too much difficulty passing through the National Assembly. The key issue is implementation to ensure that the bureaucracy does not kill the joy of the implementation of the Budget. We will do our part.” He stated
He added that it will continue to address the problems including security, economy and fight against corruption.
“I am hopeful that this time as we celebrate Christmas, we will continue to pray for this country that 2016 with everybody’s cooperation we begin to turn the corner for a greater country.” He added