2013-budget23The budget standoff between the Executive and Legislative arm of Government came to an end Tuesday night with the announcement that President Jonathan has signed the 2013 appropriation bill but with a caveat that the National Assembly agreed to make changes to the document to reflect the President’s objections.
In a statement made available to the press, presidential spokesman Reuben Abati said, “Following consultations and an agreement between the Executive and the Legislature on the 2013 Appropriation Bill, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan today signed the bill into law.
“President Jonathan wishes to reassure all Nigerians that the consultations have been in the best interest of the country, and in pursuit of understanding and mutual cooperation between both arms of government.
“As part of the understanding reached with its leadership, the observations of the executive arm of government about the Appropriation Bill as passed by the National Assembly will be further considered by the National Assembly through legislative action, to ensure effective and smooth implementation of the 2013 Appropriation Act in all aspects.
“The administration remains fully committed to the positive transformation of the country, and effective and efficient service delivery for the benefit of all citizens.
“All Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government have therefore been directed to work very hard to ensure that all the services, projects and programmes contained in the budget are successfully delivered on schedule in spite of the slight delay in its enactment.”
This year’s budget was curiously signed behind closed doors contrary to the tradition where the signing is held at a public ceremony in the presence of journalists.
