Jonathan misses 2014 budget date again, leaves for UK

For the second time this month, President Goodluck Jonathan has failed to present the 2014 budget to the National Assembly

He was expected to present the budget today at the National Assembly.

Jonathan’s decision to defer the presentation of the budget was contained in a letter to the Senate President, Mr. David Mark, dated 18 November.

Jonathan had requested the Senate to grant him the slot on 19 November, 2013 to address a joint session of the two chambers.

The president cited the disparity in the benchmark agreed by the two chambers as reason for his inability to present the budget.

He said the budget would be presented as soon as the Senate and House of Representatives harmonised their position on the Medium Term Expenditure Framework.

The Senate has approved the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) based on a benchmark of 76.5 dollars per barrel while the House of Representatives used a benchmark of 79 dollars per barrel.

“ it is not feasible for me to present the budget in the absence of a harmonised position on the MTEF.

“In the circumstance, it has become necessary to defer the presentation of the 2014 budget to a joint session of the National Assembly until such a time when both chambers may have harmonised their positions on MTEF.

“It is my hope that this would be within the shortest possible time,” Jonathan added.

All was set for the presentation today, before the turn of events. Suddenly, the President’s seat, the seat of the Senate President, David Mark, were both taken away from the House of Representatives chambers, venue of the joint session, before Senate President explained the situation of things.

It was the second time the budget presentation was called off.