Henry Omunu, Abuja
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Representatives caucus on Wednesday described the budget presentation since 2015 as a hollow annual ritual under the APC led administration of President Muhammad Buhari.
Deputy Minority Leader, Rep. Chukwuka Onyema, who addressed journalists on behalf of the caucus, said that the administration has again tabled another multi – trillion Naira budget with may soon be followed by the usual excuses of non – performance.
Rep. Onyema averred that the consistent dismal implementation of the national budget by a government that came into power promising utopia, betrays its half – hearted insensitivity to the plight of the Nigerian people who long for genuine progress and development that will positively impact their lives.
He declared that since 2015, “it has been an unfortunate harvest of lies, blames and propaganda while its over – hyped campaign promises of security, economic growth and war against corruption have remained a mirage.
“Poor implementation of he budget especially the capital component has always been linked with the level of infrastructure decay in the country as well as under – development of critical sectors of the country”.
According to the PDP House caucus, the APC government for reasons best known to it has failed to fully implement the national budget, adding that the disagreement between the National Assembly and the executive has always been about budget implementation in the interest of the citizens, the national economy and the country’s democracy.
” Often, they say that there is no money to implement aspects of the economy, even in the face of humongous funds coming in through FIRS, NNPC, Customs and other sources.
“It’s the firm conviction of the PDP House caucus that accountability and democracy dividends must be assured for the masses of this great country who voted us all into our respective positions,” he added.
The caucus therefore, charged Nigerians to use their PVCs wisely by voting out the APC government in 2019, otherwise the nation will experience more economic woes.
Meanwhile, the Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Rep. Abdulrazaq Namdas agreed with the position of the PDP caucus, saying that there is improvement in the implementation of the national budget by the executive.
“There is need for improvement on the side of the executive on budget implementation. This is not playing politics, because first and foremost we are lawmakers.
“The executive must improve their performance in executing the budget in the interest of the people Namdas stated.
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