THE President, Nigerian Movement for Positive Change (NMPC), Barrister Niyi Aborisade has called on President Muhammadu Buhari, leaders of the National Assembly; Senator Bukola Saraki and Rt Honourable Yakubu Dogara to ensure total implementation of 2018 budget proposal presented before the lawmakers on Tuesday.
Aborisade stated that Nigerians are tired of listening to the same old stories of technicalities and excuses denying the populace of total adherence to whatever put down in the budget over the years.
In a statement issued and signed, the legal practitioner stated that “It is unfortunate that budget presentations in Nigeria has become a political ceremony where the economical and developmental issues that are suppose to be the main focus of the event are shelved to pave way for political festival.
“From the timing, mode of presentation and subsequent development after the presentation, the whole show clearly shows that we have lost the focus of importance of budget to the lives of an average citizen in Nigeria. If not, why do we seem to be under duress to have things done as a show than crossing the ‘t’s and dotting the ‘i’ as the event approaches for a meaningful impact in the country.
“President Muhammadu Buhari and the leadership of the National Assembly should not ignore the ‘foiled protest” by some lawmakers before the exercise, thereby address the point raised by these men of honour in the NASS despite propaganda that trailed the rumoured protest. This should not be swept under carpet to prolong the usual traditional praise-singing of the President in such ceremonies. The change every Nigerian yearned for two years ago seems elusive with the same promise coming from the covers of the administration that promised Nigerians instant change as soon as it gets to power.
“Nigerians are tired of excuses, technicalities and unfounded reasons why high flying promises made prior to 2015 election still remain elusive in 2017. By now, President Buhari and members of the National Assembly, inclusive the leadership should realise now that Nigerians are not ready to look forward to anything again but would love to experience it.
“Budgets are made to change the fortune of a human setting and not a traditional show dance as it is done here annually. President Buhari and the ruling party, All Progressive Congress (APC) must have come to terms by now that Nigerians are tired of promise but real economic policy that will turn around their fortune soonest.”
Aborisade also urged all stakeholders in the economy to come around and offer their expertise to ensure full compliance and professional guidance on the implementation of the budget to enhance optimisation at the end of the day.
