adminOkonjo-Iweala made the comments, while appearing as a guest on a radio programme on Monday in Abuja.
“The country has been running from January up until now and we have been implementing the budget that was passed. But, we have got to a point where some amendments have to be made and this is why Mr President sent this amendment to the National Assembly. We can continue for a little while longer but at some point, we need the amendment to pass because, come September/October, we may not be able to pay salaries.
“We would need to restore about N32 billion for salaries that were moved around. We also need it for the SURE-P programme, which is experiencing some difficulties now, (in order) to continue the community services programme that (are) creating jobs.”
However, during the plenary session on Tuesday, the House of Representatives frowned at the minister’s statement describing it as insulting and a blatant blackmail calculated to incite the public against the lawmakers. In a motion by deputy minority whip, Samson Osagie (ACN, Edo State), the lower chamber was told that a similar threat last year led to the actual removal of the fuel subsidy.
This grounded the nation and almost crippled the economy for nearly a week; warning that the House cannot continue to accept such disparaging insinuations from a minister who was not elected but appointed into office. Osagie urged the leadership of the House not to treat the matter with kid gloves.
Consequently, the deputy speaker, Chukwuemeka Ihedioha, who presided over the proceedings, ruled that the committees on Finance, Appropriation and Legislative Complaints should meet with the minister, demand an explanation, and report back to the House within one week. – Premium Times.
Online Reporter