By Modupe Gbadeyanka
President Muhammadu Buhari has assured that the problem of padding which almost marred the 2016 budget will not repeat itself next year.
Mr Buhari made this vow on Friday when he received members of the Governance Support Group (GSG) led by Mr Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, at the State House in Abuja.
He told his guests that, “I am waiting for the 2017 budget to be brought to us in council. Any sign of padding anywhere, I will remove it.”
According to Mr President, 2016 was the first time he heard the word ‘budget padding’ despite being on the corridors of power for over four decades.
But he assured that next year’s budget, which will reportedly been presented to the National Assembly next month, would be padding-free.
The President called for continued support of his administration, stressing that he still stands by his campaign promises, which focus on securing the country, reviving the economy, and fighting corruption.
However, he said some people were deliberately turning blind eyes to prevailing realities in the country.
But he said his government will remain focused and ensure the country becomes the pride of citizens.
In his remarks, leader of GSG, Mr Nwajiuba, commended the President for his anti-corruption war and urged him to keep the fight going.
He also expressed optimism that Nigeria’s economy would soon experience a turnaround.
