Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara has reaffirmed the independence of the National Assembly, saying the legislature will not be a rubberstamp of the executive arm of government.
Hon. Dogara stated this during the signing of the N8.93 trillion 2019 budget by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Aso Rock Villa In Abuja.
He was reacting to a complaint by the president that changes to the budget by the legislators would adversely impact the programmes, making it difficult for us to achieve the objectives of the economic recovery and growth plan.
The speaker further urged the executive arm of government to always present the proposal early enough.
According to him, a situation where the budget is submitted in December, quick passage of it by January deadline will not be feasible.