The absence of the two ministers in charge of Petroleum Resources (Oil and Gas), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri and Hon. Ekperipe Ekpo on Thursday, December 14, stalled the budget defence of the ministry before a Joint Committee of Senate and House of Representatives.

The Joint Committee rejected a representation from the ministry and asked that the two ministers to appear before them on Monday, December 19.

Both the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives have assured that the budget will be passed before the end of the year to maintain the January to December budget circle.

The adjournment followed a motion by Sen. Abdulaziz Yari who said that the committee is constrained to adjourn following the absence of the officials.

He said the the officials should be given a second opportunity saying that there should appear on December 19.

Earlier, the Chairman, House Committee of Petroleum Resources (Upstream) Rep. Ado Doguwa (APC-Kano state) said the committee will not accept representatives from the Ministry.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Procurement, Hon. Unlike Idem said sais the nation’s procurement process has a vital role to play in the eradication of corruption in the Country.

Speaking during budget defence of the Bureau for Public Procurement, Hon. Idem said most of the corruption cases in the country can be traced to Procurement processes.

He stressed the need for continuous cooperation with the Bureau of Public Procurement to enable them work harmoniously and ensure that all MDAs observe due process, transparency and accountability in the procurement process.

This he said that was the only way to ensure that tax payers money are accounted for and spent judiciously.

He said the Committee will intensify its oversight functions with the aim of strengthening the Bureau to build and sustain an efficient procurement system that meets international best practices. (The Nation)