Applause, boos as Buhari presents 2019 budget

President Muhammadu Buhari’s presentation of the 2019
Appropriation Bill to the Joint Sitting of the National Assembly
began on a rancorous note on Wednesday.

When he stated the presentation will be his last for the term at
the commencement of his speech, some lawmakers shouted amen.

However, on being interjected at every mention of the modest
achievement by his administration in all sectors of the economy,
the President was interrupted by claps from those believed to be
members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

But opposition lawmakers reacted with boos.

When he informed the economy recovered from recession, which
drew the same response from the floor, the President had to take it
again.

At this point, the President took a short break from his address
to advise the lawmakers to be cautious and mindful of the
importance of the day.

“The world is watching us, we are supposed to be above this,” he
said.

Earlier, on resumption of the joint sitting from the over 40-
minute closed session, the lawmakers with the two presiding
officers seated, broke into freedom song.

With some on their feet, they sang ‘Freedom come, by struggle,
by struggle, freedom come‘.

Some members were seen collecting and tearing placards carried
by their colleagues.

Fight almost broke out when Bashir Babale (APC, Kano) was
dragged away from Diri Douye (PDP, Bayelsa) after he attempted to
collect a placard from him.

When Vice President Osinbajo was quietly led into the chamber by
the Presidential Liason Officer (Senate) Eta Enang, the song abated
but picked up again until Senate President Saraki asked his
colleagues to take their seats

“Thank you for your understanding. Thank you so much,” he
said.

Saraki’s pleas were followed by some Senators throwing words at
themselves across the seats, forcing the song to break out
again.

Buhari was ushered into the chamber with chants of ‘Sai Baba’
and ‘Freedom come’ renting the air.

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