– President Buhari cites controversial alteration and padding of the 2016 budget proposals as reasons for the delays in the passage of the document
– Accuses bureaucrats of removing what the government put in the proposal and replacing it with what they wanted
– Reiterates the determination of his administration to continue to vigorously prosecute the war against corruption
President Muhammadu Buhari has said he will sign 2016 budget after critically reviewing the document to be certain that its contents tallied with the authentic budget proposal presented to the National Assembly.
President Buhari said the controversial alteration and padding of the budget proposals, necessitated a critical review of the document to ensure its in line with the government’s original submission.
According to Premium Times, Buhari speaking at a meeting with the United States Secretary of State John Kerry, in Washington DC on Thursday, March 31, said the controversial alteration and padding of the budget proposals necessitated a critical review of the document to ensure its in line with the government’s original submission.
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“Some bureaucrats removed what we put in the proposal and replaced it with what they wanted. I have to look at the bill that has been passed by the National Assembly, ministry by ministry, to be sure that what has been brought back for me to sign is in line with our original submission,” the president said.
President Buhari also reiterated his administration’s determination to continue to vigorously prosecute the war against corruption.
The president sought and received assurances from Kerry that the United States government will facilitate the repatriation of all stolen Nigerian funds found within the American banking system.
“It will greatly help our country if you assist us to recover all our stolen funds which we can establish to be within your financial system,” Buhari said.
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On his part, Secretary Kerry who estimated that the stolen Nigerian funds were in billions of dollars said it was not easy to hide that amount of money without it been traced
He commended Buhari administration’s success in rolling back the Boko Haram insurgency, assuring the president that the United States will continue to give Nigeria all possible support to ensure that the terrorist sect is finally eliminated.
Kerry also praised President Buhari’s order that Nigeria’s Armed Forces must show greater regard for the human rights of persons in the battle operations against Boko Haram.
Meanwhile, a group known as the south-east south-south professionals of Nigeria has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to declare a three-year state of emergency on the nation’s economy following the economic challenges experienced in the country.
The group’s president, Emeka Ugwu-Oju, made the call on Thursday March 31 in an interview with journalists shortly after leading a delegation to meet Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo behind closed doors at the presidential villa, Abuja.
Ugwu-Oju, advised Buhari to consult with the National Assembly to commence the process of the declaring a state of emergence on the nation’s economy.
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