He argues that the Senators do not have the power to alter the budget, but the senators argue that they have the constitutional right to do do. In this statement released by his media aide, Hakeem Bello, Fashola said the senate's lack of wisdom on issues such as this is quite worrisome. Read the statement after the cut...
The
Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola SAN has
expressed deep concern over the recourse of the National Assembly’s
Spokespersons to name calling over his observations on the 2017 Budget.
In
a Press Release signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Hakeem
Bello, the Minister said he was worried that the National Assembly
Spokespersons failed to address the fundamental points about
development- hindering whimsical cuts in the allocations to several
vital projects under the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing as well as
other Ministries.
Fashola
had, in a recent interview while acknowledging that Legislators could
contribute to budget making, disagreed with the practice where the
legislative arm of Government unilaterally alters the Budget after
putting members of the Executive through Budget Defence Sessions and
Committee Hearings to the extent that some of the projects proposed
would have become materially altered.
While
acknowledging the need for legislative input from the representatives
of the people to bring forward their developmental aspirations before
and during the Budget production process, the Minister had observed that
it amounted to a waste of tax payers money and an unnecessary
distortion of orderly planning and development for all sections of the
country, for lawmakers to unilaterally insert items not under the
Exclusive or Concurrent lists of the Constitution like boreholes and
streetlights after putting Ministries , Departments and Agencies (MDAs)
through the process of Budget Defence.
Specifically
with regards to the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, Fashola
listed the Lagos- Ibadan Expressway, the Bodo- Bonny road, the
Kano-Maiduguri road, the Second Niger Bridge and the long drawn Mambilla
Hydropower Project among others as those that the National Assembly
materially altered the allocations in favour of scores of boreholes and
primary health care centres which were never discussed during the
Ministerial Budget Defence before Parliament.
In
their responses both the Spokespersons of the Senate and the House of
Representatives accused the Minister of spreading “Half-Truths” and
making “Fallacious “ statements because he (Fashola) should have known
that they only interfered with projects that had concession agreements
and private sector funding components. They also accused the Minister of
wanting to hold on to such projects in order that he may continue to
award contracts.
However,
while dismissing the allegations in the course of an official trip
outside the country, Fashola said it was sad that the lawmakers would
resort to name calling even without understanding the facts of what they
were getting into. Taking the projects which the lawmakers chose to
focus on one after the other, the Minister insisted that there is no
subsisting concession agreement on the Lagos – Ibadan Expressway adding
that what the Infrastructure Construction Regulatory Commission (ICRC)
has is a financing agreement from a consortium of banks which is like a
loan that still has to be paid back through budgetary provisions.
There
is no fallacy or half truth in the allegation that the budgets were
reduced. The Spokespersons admitted this much and now sought to
rationalize it by a concession or financing arrangement that has failed
to build the road since 2006. The biggest momentum seen on the road was
in 2016.
In
the case of the Second Niger Bridge where one of the Spokespersons
alleged that the provision in 2016 budget was not spent and had to be
returned, Fashola said that this displays very stark and worrisome gaps
in knowledge of the Spokesperson about the budget process he was
addressing.
According
to him, a budget is not cash. It is an approval of estimates of
expenditure to be financed by cash from the Ministry of Finance.
The Ministry of Finance has not yet released any cash for the Second Niger Bridge, so no money was returned.
Three
phases of Early Works of piling and foundation was approved and
financed by the previous Government in the hope that a concession will
finally be issued, which has not happened because concessionaires have
not been able to raise finance.
The
continuation of Early Works IV could not start in May 2016 when the
budget was passed because of high water level in the River Niger in the
rainy season.
The
contract was only approved by the Federal Executive Council in the
first quarter of 2017 and the contractor is awaiting payment.
Dismissing
the allegation that the Ministry under him was holding on to projects
that could be funded through Public Private Partnerships (PPP) so that
he could award contracts as a tissue of lies, the Minister said from Day
One of his assumption of office, he made it clear publicly and
privately that his priority would be to finish as many of the several
hundreds of projects that his Ministry inherited which had not been
funded for close to three years.
According
to Fashola, if the Spokesperson was in tune with the Public Procurement
Law which the National Assembly passed, he would realize that the
Minister has no unilateral power to award such contracts whose values
are in Billions of Naira, adding that all the new projects presented to
the Federal Executive Council for approval were either Federal roads
requested by State Governments or those put in the Budget by the
Legislators to service their constituencies.
Fashola
stated that the focus on contracts by the Spokesperson is probably a
Freudian slip that reveals his mindset and interests; when indeed he
should be focused on Developmental projects that strengthen the economy,
which is the focus of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan endorsed by
the legislature.
Also
responding to the issues that the Budget for the Mambila Power Project
was slashed because it contained a “ whooping N17 bn” for Environmental
Impact Assessment (EIA), the Minister said there was indeed a
mis-description of that particular Expenditure Head which could have
happened during the classification of so many thousands of Budget heads
in the Budget estimates.
According
to him, what was described as a Budget Head for EIA was actually the
nation’s counterpart funding to the China- EXIM loan to fund the
building of the Mambila Project , adding that this was brought to his
attention only after it had been slashed and that if the intention was
not to slash arbitrarily it should have been brought to his attention to
explain. “At a joint meeting convened at the instance of the Budget
Minister when I complained that the budget was slashed, the issue of EIA
was brought to my attention and I explained what it was meant for,”
Fashola said.
On
the issue of the N20 Billion provision in the Ministry’s Budget which
the Spokesperson alleged that the Minister failed to give details of,
Fashola said the Spokesperson is hiding behind a finger.
The
Minister explained that it was a very basic principle of good planning
to make provision for unforeseen contingencies adding that in the 2016
Budget , a similar provision enabled the Ministry to respond to the
failures of the Tamburawa Bridge in Sokoto, the Ijora Bridge in Lagos
and the Gada Hudu Bridge in Koto Karfe along the Abuja – Lokoja Highway.
Similarly, the Ministry was able to pay N1BN to the Contractor handling
the Suleja to Minna road.
The
recent failures caused by flooding along Tegina-Mokwa-Jebba road and
Tatabu in Niger State could not have been provided because they were not
foreseen and there may be more. “ This is what good planning is about
,“ Fashola said.
Noting
that the Senate Spokesperson missed the point in the haste to cast
aspersions on him because he was not at the meetings he was speaking
about, Fashola said he would have expected a more sober approach to the
matter. “ In any event, allegations of half truth is only a flawed
response to the constitutional and developmental issues that have
plagued Nigeria from 1999 about how to budget for the critical
infrastructure in Nigeria. It shows the conflict between the Executive
that wants to build big Federal Highways; Bridges ; Power Plants; Rail;
and Dams on one hand and Parliament that wants to do small things like
Bore holes , Health Centres , Street lights and supplying grinding
machines ,” he said.
According
to the Minister, being an institutional and not a personal issue, it
won’t be out of place to seek a resolution of the conflict at the
Supreme Court in order to protect the country’s future, because it is a
clear conflict about how best to serve the people.
“
As long as Budgets planned to deliver life changing infrastructure are
cut into small pieces, Nigeria will continue to have small projects that
are not life changing , and big projects that have not been completed in 17 years
. If a project would cost N15 Billion and the contractor gets only a
fraction of that, then things won’t move. Success should be defined by
how many projects an administration is able to complete or set on the
path of irreversible completion and not how many poorly funded contracts
are awarded,” he said.
33 comments:
Shame on you Linda! #MadamCopyAndPaste with no credit.
Too long Abeg. As if the budget will have any impact on my life or the common man, mtchew
Long live LIB
fashola is doing his best to make sure that his ministries stand out but it seems that the senate is just bent on frustrating
click here now for penis enlargement
the man from doing his job. how can they slash the budget meant for roads, when we all know that nigerians main form of transportation is by road transportation.
They shld do and start d second Niger bridge I beg before it collapses.
GOD bless Fasola. .. den go dey busy dey build borehole like sey nah taste kill their forefathers... How long will we continue to use street lighting do election campaign
Nut a fan of the useless senators but Fashola is a huge failure. Bad roads, no light, housing no even dey. Mumu.
Those dumb heads we call senators are they happy with the condition of our roads power and infastrures or are they making the cuts to get more money to steal I keep saying these those guys aren't human they thrive on the suffering of the masses if it pleases the Almighty non of them will find favor in his sight the hardships they plan on the people of this country will have a boomerang effect on them go ahead steal as much as you want the funniest thing is you don't have anywhere to hide but in soak away the way those money gather smell is the same way your lives will never be lovely God punish all of you
Ogbeni, resign. if u have integrity.
His pics is a gud meme for "evans please return their brains"
Those in House and Senate are a bunch of criminals. If Evans wasn't caught he would have ended up there.
Fashola the 4 billion naira for an ordinary website lying thief. Unfortunately for the Buhari Osinbajo fake pastorian dullardeens, the current National Assembly are clever fellows. Fashola wanted to do double your money wash scam. How can this grey haired fool that looks as if aboki's used his head to break coconut think he will get away with double invoicing when 2019 is round the corner? He better send his wife to go and beg Buhari again. Fashola the coward father of unclaimed twins.
Hmmmm
... Merited happiness
Fashola is a monumental failure!
It is scandalous that 24 months into this government nothing meaningful has been done to progress the construction of the 2nd Niger Bridge. There is ABSOLUTELY NO PROJECT OF NOTE that the government can boast of. Power supply Nationwide is disgraceful. Housing is a mirage.
Employing legal wits here won't help. His arrogance and self-importance (Mister So-called Super Minister) is even shamelessly displayed by referring to all Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as lacking wisdom. Traits of a Tyrant loading.....
Worrisome abi worrisome. Sir, you can say that again. Unbelievable dumb pple up there. But you need to sanction Ikeja Electric. They hv as almost completely packed up. Pls do something Asap.
NASS has always been the problem
Sad to see that Nigerians are yet to understand that Fashola is trying hard to fix problems and unfinished projects he met there. It's crazy issues like this that Nigeria needs to deal with.. People intentionally sitting on the opportunities for real change to begin by cutting budgets where it really matters and where it is needed.
Wetin concern us with boreholes? Mtschewww. God punish anyone holding us back in this Country, they should allow Fashola do his work.
Na wa ooo.
U r a typical FOOL...a puppet for those dunces called senators...
Just one sentence. May God bring people who will tarnish your image your way. What am i saying your ancestors don't have a name.
You are a product of Nigeria's failed education system! Nothing can be done to help you.
Your father did double invoicing and still got a bastard. I hope your children don't inherit your foolishness
I guess your father and all your and all your family has never attained great heights. Because your father lied tthrough out his does that make every one else a liar. You have no pedigree so you will not understand what it means to have integrity which you lack. What Fashola has achieved you will never achieve till you die. Fashola never signed invoices as Governor you ignorant fool, why don't you ask your new Governor Ambode he was the accountant general for six years and essence in charge of through finances of Lagos State. Ode , oponu
I guess that is the same way your mother begged your father to accept you The Bastard . I suppose your sister gave birth to the twins. Oh i forgot that is how your mother went to beg your father's boss when your father stole at his work place. Donate the twins to the state and go back to your bus conductor work as that is the highest you will ever achieved. Omo ale jatijati.
I bet u were thinking with ur balls when u wrote this statement.
😂😂😂Amen to that
😂😂😂Amen to that
Away with these law makers already!!!! They serve absolutely no use. We need a fundamental referendum amending our constitution. These law makers will fight any effort to change the status quo. Constitutional amendment now is the way to go.
This vindictive senate will definitely find a way to come after Fadhola and try to embarrass him for daring to stand his ground but they will fail. Fashola has more integrity than all of them combined.
As we all can see that mmm Nigeria is back to be stronger, better and bigger, testimonies are flowing here and there, participants are been paid their 2016 mavros(money). Furthermore the PHING and GHING process is carried out normally without glitches.
You can contact us if you still have pending 2016 mavros in the system for complete guide on how to GH. The 2017 mavro(money) is been paid fully, we the participants are becoming happier Most of you reading this article must have lost money to those copycat schemes that sprout out during the time that our great MMM had some issues last year, those copycat schemes offered nothing other than deceit and finally making away with your funds.
Non of them lasted for more than a month, MMM Nigeria is the only peer to peer donation that keeps their word, they promised paying 2016 money and here they are making the payment. Mmm is the best Mmm Nigeria is ever ready to welcome you back, you mmm account is very save, get instructions on how to GH your 2016 mavro Some of you reading this article are novice in MMM in some cases the person that registered you in MMM (handling mmm for you) is no longer available to help you run your mmm account, in that case you are handicapped, but not to worry running your MMM account is very easy with the necessary guidelines you need, even a grandma can run it swiftly all you need to do is ask, you can chat me up on whatsapp 08078399673 for guidance.
Furthermore as an MMM participant you need to be informed of the latest developments, rules and regulations. Mmm is more strict now than before, know the rules, obey them If your guider is not been responsive or have abandoned you and MMM, simply change that guider, mmm have made a provision for that Click the link below to read how to change your guider
https://goo.gl/HEoLME
For instructions on how to get your 2016 money and up to time updates and guidance on mmm issues Chat me up on whatsapp 08078399673 Or send a mail to olayinkaemmanuel52@gmail.com And also get added to our whatsapp group for updates and informations. If you still have issues of fake pop, block accounts, moratorium, non confirmation of payment Chat me up for same purpose If you have been waiting for mmm to come back fully so as to join, believe you me when i say that this is the right time to join, MMM is back fully Mmm is the only scheme that have stood the test of Time Note that salary can only manage poverty Be wise Create a residual income flow.
To register Click here
Or chat me up on whatsapp or on 08078399673 for guidance during and after your course of registration. Most of us who have received some of our 2016 money please kindly and gladly share your testimonies via the comment section. MMM is here to stay Long live MMM.
If you have any question to ask u can share it through the comment Box thanks.
U r d biggest mumu, I'm sure you didn't read to understand this article, when a budget is cut down by 70% how u want take get light? Ode.
Low life.
Integrity qwa? U lack education.
If you've never seen nor heard the voice of pride before, I'll advise you to look for Fashola or Femi Falana, both of them are pride personified, or pride voicefied (haha, voicefied)
Mumu
Post a Comment