The Senate Leader, Senator Muhammed Ali Ndume, has denied media reports that the 2016 budget proposal submitted by President Muhammud Buhari has been stolen from the National Assembly.
Ndume explained that apart from the ceremonial copy laid by President Buhari, each chamber will also have its own copy of the budget proposal.
He added that once the budget is laid, it has become the property of the National Assembly.
He said from there the lawmakers have the responsibility to scrutinise it and that once it is passed and signed by the President, it has become a law.
Ndume said: “Budget cannot be missing.
“One copy can be laid.
“It is a symbolic copy.
“The budget will be in custody of both chamber.
“It cannot be stolen.
“It cannot be missing.
“Once the budget is laid in the National Assembly, it has become the property of National Assembly.
“Saraki’s visit to Vila is for Senate to know the President’s priority.
“We want to see how we can fast track the passage of the budget before the end of February.
“What is before the Senate is a proposal.
“Once the President signs it, it cannot be amended.
“We can turn the budget upside down.
“It cannot be missing.”
