Rep on 2018 budget: We won’t manufacture figures, hence delay in passage

Zakari Mohammed, chairman, house of representatives committee on education, says the 2018 appropriation bill would be ready by end of April.

Mohammed spoke while representing Yakubu Dogara, speaker, house of representatives, on the sideline of an empowerment programme organised by Segun Ogunwuyi for his constituents, at Ogbomoso, Oyo state.

Ogunwuyi represents Ogbomosho/north/south/orire.

Speaking at the event, Mohammed said the delay in passing the budget was due to lack of cooperation from some ministers.

He said the lawmakers were taking their time because they won’t manufacture figures.

Dogara had on March 21, also said the bill will be passed into law by April 24.

“When a budget is laid, it is our duty to ask for detail information because we won’t manufacture figures. That is the problem. I am sure that by the end of April we will have a budget,’’ Mohammed said.

He urged the executive arm of government to work harder in generating more revenue to implement the budget, adding that budget performance in recent times is dropping.

The lawmaker urged the people to re-elect Ogunwuyi for a second term, saying the type of lawmaking template they operated was in consonance with longevity.

“When you go to the national assembly as a first timer, it takes you more than three years to learn the process and by the end of four years you will have nothing to show,’’ he said.