Less than two weeks after President Goodluck Jonathan signed the 2013 Budget into law, he has sent an amendment proposal to the National Assembly for approval.
The 2013 Appropriation Act Amendment Proposal was sent along with the 2013 Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) budget amendment proposal to the lawmakers for consideration and approval.
This was contained in a letter read by the Senate President, David Mark on Tuesday, in which President Jonathan commended the National Assembly for quickly passing the 2013 budget.
He requested for the review of some clauses in the budget which, he said can be detrimental to the work of the executive arm of government.
“This, indeed, demonstrates the enduring partnership between the two arms of government in discharging our shared responsibility for nation-building.
“The 2013 Appropriation Act includes some clauses which may be injurious to the spirit of separation of powers and which could hamper the work of the executive arm of government.
“I, therefore, request that these should be reviewed,’’ the president said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that clause 6, clause 7 and clause 10 of the 2013 Appropriation Act have been listed for necessary amendment.
Clause 6 deals with the need to ensure prompt release of funds to the appropriate agency.
Clause 7 compels the accountant-general of the federation to forward to the National Assembly full details of funds released to government agencies immediately such funds are released.
Clause 10 centres on the non-inclusion of the budget of the Securities and Exchange Commission in the 2013 Appropriation Act.