By Paul Effiong, Abuja
House of Representatives yesterday considered and passed two money bills extending the implementation of the 2023 Appropriation Act and the 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Act until December 2024.
This was contained in a statement signed by the House spokesman, Akin Rotimi, in Abuja.
According to the statement, the executive arm of government presented the two bills via a letter transmitted by President Bola Tinubu which was read on the floor of the House by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
He informed that the bills are the 2023 Appropriation Amendment Bill, 2024, and the 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Amendment Bill, 2024.
The spokesman equally explained that during the first reading of the Bills, the Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, during the debate on the general principles of the bill, expressed reservations about the propriety of accelerating its passage.
He disclosed that the opposition leader had, during the debate, expressed fear, noting that it might not be in the best interest of the country.
He noted that Chinda also suggested that the provisions of the bills should be harmonised and included in the anticipated Supplementary Appropriation Act 2024.
“The minority leader’s concerns and position sparked a robust discussion among members and was supported by Alhassan Doguwa who urged the House to pass the bills in the best interest of the country’s security and economy,” he said.
The spokesman disclosed that the House had to enter an executive session leading to a fruitful and meaningful deliberation.
He also revealed that the executive session saw an extensive discussion, with members from both sides contributing.
“The House in its collective wisdom dissolved into the Committee of Supply to debate the various clauses in the money bills, all of which were carried,” Rotimi added.
The statement said the House later reverted to plenary session where the bills were read for the third time and pass.
The lawmakers’ decision, according to the statement, was made with the nation’s best interest in mind, particularly focusing on national security and economic stability.
“Consequently, the passage of the money bills followed diligent legislative action and met all requirements.
“The 10th House of Representatives has continued to stand out as the most diverse Assembly since the inception of the 4th Republic, with representation from eight political parties and approximately 75 percent new members.
“This vibrancy has led to commendations for the quality of debates and resolutions, highlighting the legislature’s independence, while maintaining a cooperative relationship with the executive,” he said.
