By Adedapo Adesanya
The National Assembly is determined to pass the 2022 budget before the year runs out, says the Deputy President of the Senate, Mr Ovie Omo-Agege.
The lawmaker said this when he hosted his former classmates from the Nigerian Law School, Class of ’86 (The Centennial Class) in Abuja.
According to a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Yomi Odunuga, on Thursday, the Deputy Senate President said this will be carried out on or before December 16, which coincides with the final session before the legislative Christmas break.
Last Thursday, President Muhammadu Buhari presented the 2022 budget of N16.39 trillion to a joint session of the National Assembly and the leaders of both arms of the legislature had promised to fulfil the necessary requirement before the year runs out.
Now, according to Mr Omo-Agege, early approval and signing of the appropriation bill into law will ensure planning, bring about enhanced productivity and efficiency in the management and application of the nation’s resources.
He explained that Nigerians are the ultimate beneficiaries of the return to the January to December budget cycle, stressing that this will guarantee full implementation of the economic, infrastructural, social investments and other developmental programmes contained in the budget.
“The budget process is ongoing. In the next 30 days, we will conclude it and pass it before we go on Christmas break, sometime on December 16,” he said.
On the request for the completion of a moot court at the Nigerian Law School headquarters, Bwari, Abuja by the Class, the Delta Central lawmaker promised to assist in completing the project. He was excited that his class has taken on such a laudable project.
Speaking on a bill sponsored by his colleague that seeks to increase the number of law school campuses in Nigeria from six to 12, the federal legislator emphasised the need to reach out to all stakeholders to determine its acceptability or otherwise.
His words: “I want to thank you for the initiative you have taken on this moot court. It’s a great idea, especially for trained advocates. I really don’t see how you can hone your skills if you are not given the opportunity and privilege to have facilities like that.
“I am not surprised that this initiative is coming from ’86 Class. We are the most innovative in every respect. I appreciate what you have done. I have your back. Any assistance I can render, I will be available. I am also here in case of any legislative intervention that the Class believes ought to be made.
“We have stepped in so many times to assist the judiciary as much as we are able to by way of improvement in their welfare, especially with the FCT courts, trying to provide adequate funding to expand the court and provide facilities.
“And for most of us who come from the judicial family, I know what my own dad went through using long-hand to do most of the work as opposed to what obtains abroad.
“I keep telling the judges who come before us here for confirmation that I am sure that if people like my dad had such benefit, it would have added 10 years to his lifespan. Any assistance you need, you can always count on us.”
Dipo Olowookere