The House of Representatives has resolved to authorise the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to continue spending from its 2015 budget until May 31, 2016. President Muhammadu Buhari had requested the National Assembly to grant an extension of time up to March 31, for the implementation of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) 2015 budget.
Buhari said he was desirous of securing an extension to enhance the continuation of projects in the nation’s capital before the 2016 budget is signed into law.
Thus, in a bid to grant the presidential request expeditious passage yesterday, the House commenced debate on the general principle of the Bill, and set aside all its relevant rules to pass the Bill.
Chairman of House Committee on FCT, Hon. Herman Hembe, Benue APC, had proposed the amendment, which did not go down well with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP members.
Ruling, Speaker Yakubu Dogara, said laws were not retrospective but futuristic, saying that it was better to give up to May 31 than for the Administration to get stuck if the 2016 budget delays. He clarified that the moment the 2016 appropriation law is in place, it would automatically invalidate this approval.
