From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
Deputy chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Philip Agbese, has said the House will scrutinize the 2024 Appropriation Bill, presented to the National Assembly, by President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, thoroughly.
Agbese, in a statement, stated that, in line with the Legislative Agenda of the House, only Ministries, Departments and Agencies ( MDAs) that judiciously utilized their 2023 appropriation, will have their allocations for 2024 approved.
The lawmaker, who is also the deputy spokesman of the House, lauded the speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, for prioritizing issues that bothers on the welfare of citizens, and for working harmoniously with the Executive arm of government in the overall interest of the country.
According to him, the House under the leadership of Abbas has demonstrated exceptional passion for Nigerians and a knack for good governance.
Agbese recalled that under the leadership of Speaker Abbas, the House gave accelerated consideration to the supplementary appropriation bill due to the hardship in the nation while not neglecting the grey areas like the controversial yacht.
“The manner Speaker Abbas has coordinated affairs truly portrays a man who is in touch with reality and the common man. Simple yet detailed, pragmatic and down-to-earth. Our Speaker exudes friendship and progress. He has this beautiful way of communicating with his colleagues and the Presidency.
“The 2024 Appropriation Bill was well received and will be looked into. One thing that I can assure Nigerians is that Speaker Abbas will thoroughly monitor the budget with speed.
“We recall how the N5 billion for the controversial yacht was spotted in the supplementary budget and replaced by student loan. Expect such level of meticulousness in the 2024 budget”.
Agbese, however, warned that in line with the Speaker’s Legislative Agenda, only Ministries, Departments, and Agencies that made judicious use of their resources this year will receive allocation in the 2024 budget, ” he stated.