Jonathan forwards 2013 budget amendment proposal to NASS

L-R: Aminu Tambuwal, David Mark and Goodluck Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan has forwarded the 2013 Appropriation Act Amendment Proposal to the National Assembly for approval.

 Jonathan also forwarded the 2013 Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) budget amendment proposal for consideration and approval of the National Assembly.

This is contained in a letter from the president to the Senate President, Chief David Mark, on Tuesday. The president commended the National Assembly for the quick passage of the 2013 budget.

He requested for the review of some clauses in the budget which, according to him, can be detrimental to the work of the executive arm of government. “This, indeed, demonstrates the enduring partnership between the two arms of government in discharging our shared responsibility for nation-building.

 “The 2013 Appropriation Act includes some clauses which may be injurious to the spirit of separation of powers and which could hamper the work of the executive arm of government. I, therefore, request that these should be reviewed,’’ the president said.

 Clause 6, clause 7 and clause 10 of the 2013 Appropriation Act have been listed for necessary amendment.

Clause 6 deals with the need to ensure prompt release of funds to the appropriate agency.

Clause 7 compels the accountant-general of the federation to forward to the National Assembly full details of funds released to government agencies immediately such funds are released.

 Clause 10 centres on the non-inclusion of the budget of the Securities and Exchange Commission in the 2013 Appropriation Act.