The Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Hon. Albert Sam-Tsokwa on Tuesday said that the House has put the controversial Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) and the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution as amended atop their priority list when it resumes sitting.
He also claimed that the National Assembly was not to blame for the delay in the signing of the 2013 budget into law, saying it was now left to the executive to play its part as the National Assembly had fulfilled its role by passing the budget.
“We have finished our duty in passing the budget, the issue of assent is that of the executive,” said Hon Sam-Tsokwa at the Abuja press conference.
He also said that the House would continue to implement the things they are committed to with Nigerians based on the legislative agenda.
“We believe we have kept faith with the legislative agenda and hope to continue on its implementation.”
He added, “As we speak now, the PIB has gone through second reading in the House of Representatives. It is before an ad-hoc committee constituted by the Speaker to ensure that work on it is expedited.”
The lawmaker also indicated that the House would increase its oversight function of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) on the 2013 budget, adding that it would monitor the implementation of the budget on a monthly basis.