By Olusegun Lawrence The Senate on Thursday, could not leave up to its earlier promise to pass the 2017 budget before Friday.
Rather than laying the budget at plenary today for consideration and passage as promised, the Red Chamber stepped it down.
The implementation of the 2016 Appropriation Act will lapse on Friday, May 5.
Senate Leader, Ahmed Lawan, moved a motion for the bill to be stepped down till Tuesday, which was seconded by Deputy Minority Leader, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha.
Justifying the resolve to step down the budget presentation, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, said it was to give room for harmonisation by the Senate and the House of Representatives.
His words, “Let me emphasise for the benefit of the public that we were to receive this report today.
“It was only this morning that it was necessary for us to be sure that we are on the same page with the House of Representatives to avoid any possible conferencing.
“So, what we like to see is the House and the Senate laying just the same documents so that once we pass it, we will now send the documents to the President for assent.
“I think it is important that the point be made and the public know that the harmonisation which is going on should be concluded over the weekend to enable us receive the budget report by Tuesday.
“By the grace of God, we will have it passed by next week and we send it to the President for assent.”
