Jonathan not compelled by law to present Budget in person - Hon. Leo Ogor



THE Deputy Majority Leader House of Representatives and Member representing Isoko Federal Constituency Rt. Hon. Leo Ogor has stated that President Goodluck Jonathan is not bound by law to present the nation's budget in person. Hon. Ogor stated this today while moving a motion to suspend the relevant House rules in order to accommodate the laying of the budget before the House.

This was sequel to the reading of the President's letter by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal. The Speaker barely finished reading the letter when the Minority Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila raised a Point of Order, telling the House that it was out of known traditions since the history of the budget presentation in Nigeria for the president to keep doing the ritual by proxy.

He said that the practice prior to now and the world over had been for the president to lay the budget before a joint session of the Legislature, saying “it has been the practice of the parliament over the years the world over”.

He argued that “a situation where the President is given the liberty to send his aides to present the nation’s budget which is the most important fiscal document is setting a bad precedent before the international community.”

But in what appeared to be a swift response to Hon. Gbajabiamila’s remarks, Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Leo Ogor cited the provisions of Sections 68 and 81 of the constitution, saying that the president was not compelled by the provisions to lay the budget in person.

“I rely on the provision of the constitution which is supreme. The constitution did not stipulate that the president shall lay the budget before the House. So, the issue is totally inconsequential. This is not the first time the Finance Minister is laying the budget before the House”, Ogor said.

At this juncture, Speaker Tambuwal waded into the matter, reminding the opposition leader and the general House that his knowledge and understanding of the relevant provisions of the constitution on budget presentation was that the President was not mandated to lay the budget himself if he had chosen otherwise. The Speaker, at this juncture, ruled Gbajabiamila out of order.

“Honourable members, I do not think we should debate this matter. To my understanding of the provision, there is nowhere this provision stipulates that the President shall personally present the budget. Of course, traditions may be respected. Therefore, under this basis, I want to rule you out of order.” Tambuwal hit the gavel.

if them compel am nko, he wount tell us.



Shey na Stephan or Damon compel am.

#vampire diaries

The Isoko Nation never made a mistake in returning you Rt. Hon. Leo Ogor to the House. Your legislative experience and dexterity is quite commendable. Your insight and in-depth knowledge of the Constitution is exemplary. Ride on sir we are solidly behind you. God bless you.