Buhari ‘withdraws’ budget after controversy

President Muhammadu Buhari has written to senate requesting a withdrawal of the 2016 budget for corrections, TheCable understands.

A source at the national assembly confirmed the development to this newspaper.

Also, Abdullahi Sabi, senate spokesman, confirmed that there had been “communication” from the presidency, but added that he was unaware of the content.

“I can tell you there’s a communication from the presidency to the senate president, but I don’t know the content yet. It is therefore the duty of the senate president to unveil the message on the floor of the senate, next Tuesday, so that all Nigerians would know the latest development,” he said.

“However, there are democratic rules and standards that govern all these affairs, I would expect all parties involved to play according to the rules.”

Last Thursday, Senate President Bukola Saraki revealed that there were two versions of the 2016 budget- the one which was presented by the president, and an altered copy tendered by Ita Enang, national assembly aide of the president.

Saraki had resolved- following a recommendation of the senate committee on ethics and privileges which investigated claims that the budget was missing- that only the copy presented by the president would be considered.

The senate is expected to begin consideration of the budget next Tuesday, but with the correspondence from the president, it appears the process will be delayed.