...as Lawmakers move to extend lifespan of 2024 budget
By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday ‘re-elected’ all members of the National Assembly after he made a pronouncement on them during his presentation of the N49.7 trillion 2025 budget in a joint session.
Tinubu had erroneously addressed the Assembly of the lawmakers as the 10th Assembly but was quickly corrected that it was the 10th Assembly. He replied, ”I wrote 11 here,” before adding ”you are all re-elected.”
Earlier, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the legislators had welcomed the president with a solidarity chant that affirmed their support for his presidency. ”On your mandate, we shall stand,” they chorused while the president watched.
While commending the performance of the 2024 budget as impressive, he added that the lifespan of the 2024 budget will be extended beyond December 31.
“Given these great achievements, we have deemed it necessary to extend the life of the 2024 budget to June 30, 2025.
“The enabling law for this extension has already being put in place by this patriotic Assembly, as a testament to our appreciation for the great performance of the budget, ensuring we build upon your momentum.
“We commend your steadfast commitment to collaborate, cooperate, and work with the National Assembly to achieve your grand vision for Nigeria,” he stated.
Akpabio charged ministers and heads of extraministerial departments to prepare to respond promptly to requests for them to defend their sectoral allocations.
“We have observed concerning behaviour from some ministers and heads of extra-ministerial departments, who sometimes neglect their duty to promptly submit to legislative oversight, sometimes even disregarding invitations from relevant Committees of the legislature.
“It is imperative they understand that we will not condone such breaches of the Constitution going forward,” he warned.
Assessing the Tinubu administration, he stated that Nigerians have “witnessed remarkable strides in economic reforms, aimed at enhancing our nation’s stability and growth,’’ adding that the courageous decision to remove fuel subsidies, though challenging, showcases your (Tinubu’s) unwavering commitment to redirecting resources to critical sectors such as education and healthcare.’’
“We commend your tireless efforts, along with those of our brave men and women in uniform, for liberating our lands from the grip of terror. Today, no community is under the threat of terrorism, a monumental achievement we celebrate together. The reduction in kidnapping incidents and the neutralization of over 11,000 terrorists and insurgents is a testament to patriotism, strength and determination.
“We are witnessing a resurgence in foreign direct investment, made possible by your visionary directives that ease the visa processes for Nigerians traveling to other countries, and at the same time welcome investors and tourists alike to our country.
“Your innovative approaches in our embassies and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have opened new doors for Nigeria and its people. For this we thank you.”