President Muhammadu Buhari sends FCT Budget to the House of Representatives; seeks amendment to 1999 Constitution
President Muhammadu Buhari has transmitted three letters containing the 2023 Statutory Budget proposals for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) separately to the House of Representatives.
The Code of Conduct Bureau and Conduct Tribunal (CCT), as well as the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Alteration Bills 2022 were also contained in the third correspondence sent by the President to the Green Chamber’s consideration. They were read by the Presiding Officer, Femi Gbajabiamila, at its resumption of plenary on Monday.
According to the President, the conveyance of the FCT Statutory Budget which aligns with the federal government’s fiscal development policies, was pursuant to Section 121 of the 1999 Constitution (As amended).
“Pursuant to Section 121 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As amended), I forward the Federal Capital Territory 2023 Statutory Budget proposal for the kind consideration of the House of Representatives.
In the preparation of the Federal Capital Territory’s 2023 budget, the Federal Capital Territory Administration aligns with the federal government’s fiscal development policies.
Accordingly, the FCT 2023 budget proposal prioritises improvement in healthcare services, job creation, youth empowerment, social welfare services, education and increased productivity in agriculture in our determination to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty.
We also hope that this submission will receive the usual expeditious considerations of the House,” the letter read.
On the NDDC budget, the letter read: “In accordance with Section 18(1) of the Niger Delta Development Commission Establishment Act, I forward herewith the 2023 estimate of the Niger Delta Development Commission for the kind consideration and passage of the House of Representatives.
For the CCT and Constitution Alteration Bills, Buhari said the decision was to ensure the effective performance of the functions of the Bureau and assist the tribunal in speedy dispensation of cases.
Pursuant to Section 58(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I forward herewith the Code of Conduct and Tribunal Bill 2022 and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Alteration Bill 2022 for the kind consideration of the House of Representatives.
The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Alteration Bill 2022 aims to ensure the effective performance of the functions of the Code of Conduct and assist the Code of Conduct Tribunal in the effective and speedy dispensation of cases.
Also, we hope that the House will, as usual in its manner, considers this submission for passage into law,” the letter transmitting the bills read.
Elizabeth Atime
Lizzy Chirkpi has a BA in French and is a senior reporter at OrderPaper. She has keen interest in photo journalism and video documentaries. Author of the book; 'Pourquoi Le Français,' she likes reading, traveling and watching movies.
