•Postpones plenary for PDP ward congresses
From Fred Itua and Kemi Yesufu, Abuja
Finally, after weeks of speculation, the National Assembly, yesterday, transmitted the corrected version of ‘grey areas’ in the N6.06 trillion 2016 budget to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent.
It was also a day the National Assembly adjourned plenary for one week to enable members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) attend ward congresses in their respective states.
Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Jonathan Gaza confirmed that the budget has been transmitted to Buhari.
He disclosed this at the weekly briefing of the committee where he assured that with the corrections done, Buhari will soon sign the budget into law.
“A committee was set up to look at the budget and I believe the resolutions have been transmitted or, rather, the resolutions have been submitted to the president.
“I am quite optimistic and I enjoin all other Nigerians, including yourself to be as optimistic as well, that in the very near future, this budget will be signed into law.”
Across the aisle, Senate adjourned plenary without considering any motion or bill as members who showed up at yesterday’s plenary were not up to the required number to form a quorum.
Thirty-seven members are required in a house of 109 members for plenary.
Yesterday was the first time the Eighth Senate would adjourn since inauguration on June 6, 2015.
Senate adjourned plenary to Tuesday, May 10 but the House of Representatives adjourned till Thursday, May 12.
The House proceeded on a week break to allow PDP members participate in ward congresses being conducted across the country.
