Group lauds NASS leadership on 2017 budget

Following the passage of the 2017 budget by the National Assembly (NASS), and the subsequent assenting by the Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, a pressure group, Citizens Initiative for Anti-Corruption and Development has lauded the leadership of the National Assembly for making public the details of its 2017 budget.

In a press release made available to newsmen and jointly signed by Comrade James Okoronkwo and Mr. Johnson Eze, the national coordinator and secretary respectively, the group noted that by this singular action the National Assembly leadership has demonstrated its commitment to the prosecution of President Mohammadu Buhari’s anti-graft war in Nigeria.

The group therefore, urged the general public and political stakeholders to continue to support the current leadership as it is proactive and attentive to public opinion.

Furthermore, Citizens Initiative for Anti-corruption and Development appealed to Nigerians to appreciate the role of the legislature represented by the National Assembly in enhancing democracy and development in Nigeria.

Also, the group defended the N125 billion allocation to National Assembly in the 2017 budget arguing that it is reasonable considering the enormous task of law-making and oversight maintaining that the large number of the Senate, Houseof Representatives, NASS management, National Assembly Service Commission and the National Institute for Legislative Studies make it appropriate.

They commended the Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr. Sani Omolori and the Secretary of the Finance and Accounts Directorate Mr. Lasisi Bukoye for the enhanced transparency in the management of the finances of the National Assembly.