Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Emeka Ihedioha explained yesterday that the House resolution on budget implementation was informed by the House belief that appropriate and timely execution of the budget would critically fast-track infrastructural development in the country.
He noted the preparedness of the House towards working closely with the executive to ensuring that the 2012 Budget and the subsequent budgets are comprehensively implemented for the benefit of all Nigerians. The Deputy Speaker made these disclosures when members of Unity Forum led by its Chairman, Alhaji M.M Abdul paid him a courtesy visit, to submit the group’s memoranda for the on-going constitution review process.
He states: “our concern is when National Assembly appropriates funds for development such funds are supposed to be expeditiously used for that purpose by the executive “.
According to him, since there is no evidence of decline in national income, with regards to projected budgetary revenue what is expected is full and speedy implementation of the 2012 Budget in such a manner that it would drive infrastructural development.
Observing the challenges the nation has been facing in recent times, he noted that what the country was desirous currently are statesmen who would be courageous enough to pursue the nation’s unity, oneness and stability and not those prepared to play politics with the unity and future of the country.He stressed: “unity and oneness should be our focus now. We should stop playing politics with our unity and future. We should learn to manage our circumstances”.
He spoke of the urgent need for the nation to redefine its objectives, given the increasing spate of insecurity and infrastructural challenges.
Noting the commitment of the National Assembly to review the constitution, he pledged that by middle of next year substantial progress would have been made in the review process.
Chairman of the Unity Forum, Abdul demanded the restructuring of the National Judicial Commission, review of state creation process and 180 days stipulated for elections petitions and abolition of State electoral bodies to ensure fairness in the conduct of Local Council elections.
Chibuike Onyeukwu
PA (Media) to Deputy Speaker
