Buhari backs Osinbajo to sign 2017 Budget Bill —Presidency

L-R: Buhari and Osinbajo

President Muhammadu Buhari has observed that it is in the interest of the nation’s economy for Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, to sign the 2017 Appropriation Bill into law.

Malam Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity made this known in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday.

The acting President is expected to sign the 2017 Appropriation Bill by 4 p.m on Monday.

The presidential aide quoted the President as saying “the signing of the budget by the acting president would further buttress unity at the highest level of government.”

Shehu also stated that the President was delighted over the decision of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to submit 2018 budget proposals by October, while the National Assembly would conclude the Appropriation process by December 2017.

He said “following the receipt of full brief on the 2017 Appropriation Bill as passed by the National Assembly, and to buttress the unity at the highest level of government, President Muhammadu Buhari has indicated that it is in the interest of the nation’s economy for the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, to sign the Appropriation Bill into law.

“The President also said he was pleased by the joint resolution that the Executive would submit next year’s budget proposals by October 2017.”

The National Assembly would conclude the Appropriation process by December 2017, so that the country could return to normal fiscal period from next year. (NAN)

S-Davies Wande