Constitutional constraints delaying legislature autonomy – Buhari

*Says 8th National Assembly Sometimes Keeps Budget For Seven
Months

Buhari spoke while receiving the Conference of Speakers at the
Presidential Villa, Abuja.

In a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity,
Chief Femi Adesina, the President said the constitution upholds the
standard for all public officers and institutional operations.

He said it must be adhered to, or altered to reflect some
dynamics and realities of the country.

“I try as much as I can to always be loyal and obedient to the
constitution so long as it is humanly possible,’’ he said.

The President said his administration will keep pursuing the
prosperity of all Nigerians by creating more jobs for the people,
and plugging the weaknesses exploited by many to make quick
money.

“The 8th National Assembly sometimes kept the budget for seven
months. And I had to call the Senate President and the Speaker
then. I told them by delaying passage of the budget you are not
hurting Buhari, but the people,’’ he added.

President Buhari said the delay persisted in spite of his
efforts to seek more understanding.

The President said he will ensure equity and fairness that put
the ordinary Nigerian on top priority, assuring that he will
continue to focus on health, education, infrastructure and
improving lives through social intervention programmes.

“We have in the last four years dedicated significant resources
to key social services sectors especially in health, education as
well as our massive social investment programs. We have also
started restoring our infrastructure to levels that this country
expects.

“I also want to assure you that we remain committed to ensuring
that equity and fairness prevail in governance. I will ensure that
we consult your conference to further enhance the positive impact
of our interventions across the country,’’ President Buhari
said.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Conference of Speakers, who
is also the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru
Obasa, commended the President for the fight against corruption and
insurgency, and efforts to ensure financial autonomy for the
legislature and judiciary.

Obasa said the legislatures would be further pleased if the
President issues an executive order directing the Accountant
General of the Federation to separate funds for the state
legislature and judiciary at source.

The Conference of Speakers chairman also urged the President to
consider supporting the devolution of powers to states on some
issues on the exclusive list like railway and the police for more
effective governance.