The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Mr. Philip Agbese, has taken exception to what he described as a careless and unpatriotic comment made by the member representing Gwaram Federal Constituency, Jigawa State, Yusuf Galambi, concerning the 2024 budget
It has been reported that President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, presented the 2024 Appropriation Bill of N27.5 trillion before a joint session of the National Assembly for consideration and approval.
Galambi, a member of the New Nigeria Peoples Party was quoted as saying in an interview with the BBC Hausa that Tinubu presented “empty boxes,” pointing out that the President was not ready for budget defence but only came out to play to the gallery.
The Jigawa lawmaker was also quoted as saying that unlike in the past, Tinubu failed to give lawmakers copies of the budget documents in the course of his presentation.
Addressing journalists at the National Assembly Complex on Saturday, Agbese accused Galambi of suffering from post-election tribunal fatigue and inadequate listening at plenary sessions.
Agbese said, “The House of Representatives has passed that stage long ago,” adding that, “The 10th National Assembly of the House of Representatives doesn’t entertain frivolities from the executive or members of the public.”
Agbese, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State added that “the Committee on Appropriation has long ago distributed the details of the budget proposal to the respective committees”.
He also noted that the relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies would from Monday appear before the committee to defend their budget estimates.
He also assured all that “Mr. Speaker in his usual style, will monitor the activities of all the committees during the period of scrutiny and Nigerians can be rest assured of the best from the People’s House.”
Describing the 10th House as one of the “most responsible parliaments in the world,” Agbese stated, “The statement by Galambi was not only careless but un-parliamentary and unfortunate.
“In fact, I blame lack of concentration, absenteeism and post-election petition trauma for such a careless comment by the Honourable Member from Jigawa State.
“And to say the least, such an isolated comment shouldn’t have been reported by a patriotic press anywhere in the world.” (Punch)
