The Presidency has debunked media reports insinuating that the National Assembly was frustrating the presentation of the 2017 budget to the legislative houses.

“To our knowledge, and contrary to the insinuation the National Assembly as an institution, the presiding officers, the leadership, Distinguished Senators and Honourable members are all working together to ensure the consideration of measures laid before the legislature by Mr. President, including the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper,” the Presidency said in a statement issued by Senator Ita Enang, Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters – Senate.

Enang emphasised that this measure was considered by the Senate on Wednesday November 23, and committed to the Senate committees on Finance and National Planning for consideration and report to plenary.

His words: “The executive team, led by the Honourable Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma is working closely with these committees and the Distinguished Senators.

May we appeal that any enquiry on any matter relating hereto or in any manner allied be made to the appropriate Minister or to the Presidency liaison office at the National Assembly or the Federal Secretariat office, Abuja.

“Again, we restate the commitment that the 2017 budget preparation and laying (on a date to be communicated by His Excellency, Mr. President to the National Assembly in accordance with the extant practice) shall be in accordance with best practices and usual Executive - Legislative warm relationship.”

•Photo shows Senator Ita Enang.

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