Tinubu’s Budget Proposal Sparks Discord in House of Reps

In a dramatic turn of events, the House of Representatives found itself in the midst of a heated debate on Thursday as members deliberated over President Bola Tinubu’s request to extend the implementation period of the N21.83 trillion capital component of the 2023 budget. The contentious issue also involved the extension of the N2.17 trillion 2023 supplementary budget to December 2024. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, set the stage for the debate during the plenary by reading a letter from the President, followed by the introduction of executive bills seeking the extension.

Concerns Raised by House Minority Leader

During the session, Rep. Kingsley Chinda, the House Minority Leader, raised concerns about the request for the extension of the two budgets. He expressed his apprehension about the prospect of the country running three to four budgets concurrently, citing ethical considerations. Chinda pointed out that while the 2024 budget is already in implementation, the executive is seeking extensions for both the 2023 main budget and the supplementary budget simultaneously. He suggested that instead of extensions, key projects in the supplementary budget should be rolled into the 2024 budget.

Support for Minority Leader’s Position

In a show of solidarity, Rep. Alhassan Doguwa (APC-Kano) echoed the sentiments of the minority leader, emphasizing that it would be morally unjust to have multiple budgets overlapping. However, the Speaker appealed to members to support the extension of the budget implementation, highlighting the importance of the security-related items in the supplementary budget. Despite the Speaker’s plea, a majority of lawmakers expressed their disapproval by loudly chanting “No, no,” signaling their dissent.

Also read: Reps Okay N98.5bn Supplementary Budget for FCT

Divisive Nature of the Debate

The disagreement among the House members reached a crescendo, prompting Speaker Abbas to call for an executive session to address the issues before continuing the deliberation on the bills. The contentious nature of the debate reflects the varying perspectives and concerns regarding the extension of the budgets. While some members emphasize the importance of completing the projects outlined in the supplementary budget, others question the feasibility and ethical implications of managing multiple budgets simultaneously.

As the discussions in the House of Representatives continue to unfold, the overarching goal remains to ensure transparent and effective budget implementation for the benefit of the Nigerian populace. The concerns raised by lawmakers underscore the importance of accountability and prudent financial management in steering the country towards sustainable development.

In conclusion, the heated debate in the House of Representatives over President Bola Tinubu’s budget request serves as a reminder of the critical role of legislative oversight in ensuring responsible fiscal management. As the discussions continue, it is essential for lawmakers to prioritize the nation’s interests above partisan concerns and work towards a mutually agreeable solution for the effective implementation of the country’s budgets.

Relevant questions and answers

What caused heated debate in the House of Representatives?

President Bola Tinubu’s request to extend the implementation period of the N21.83 trillion capital component of the 2023 budget.

President Tinubu’s request to extend the N2.17 trillion 2023 supplementary budget to December 2024.

When did House members debate President Tinubu’s budget request?

Thursday, 27th June, 2024.

Who raised concerns about President Tinubu’s request for the extension of the two budgets?

Hon. Kingsley Chinda, the House Minority Leader

Who seconded Minority Leader’s Position?

Hon. Alhassan Doguwa

Is it ethical to run multiple budgets concurrently?

While some argue for the efficient completion of projects, others raise valid concerns about the ethical implications of managing multiple budgets simultaneously.

What was the resolution of the House on the budget’s request?

The majority of lawmakers expressed their disapproval by loudly chanting “No, no,” signaling their dissent.

Summary

The debate in the House of Representatives over President Tinubu’s request for the extension of the two budgets reflects the nuanced perspectives on this issue, highlighting the need for thorough scrutiny and deliberation in fiscal decision-making.