The Minister, who had a two-hour meeting with the Speaker, pleaded with him to prevail on the House to resolve the conflict with the Executive.
But the Speaker told the Minister, who is also coordinating the economy, that the budget implementation row is neither personal to him nor the Minister.
Tambuwal said it is in the interest of all Nigerians for the economy to be in a better shape through effective budget implementation. He said the House is fighting for Nigeria and Nigerians.
Olufamous.com gathered that Dr. Okonjo-Iweala had a no-holds-barred audience with the Speaker in London on Monday to find “amicable solution” to the budget execution logjam.
“The Minister took time to give the details of budget implementation so far and why the mass release of funds had been very slow. She said the budget implementation plan put in place was not being adhered to by MDAs, especially their poor response to utilisation of funds.
“She explained that there is a tight implementation plan to curb waste and ensure that Nigerians have value from the funds released to the MDAs.”
“She later reeled out facts and figures to back her points on the budget implementation procedure. She disclosed that the release of funds is being fast-tracked now.
“She also begged the Speaker to prevail on members to show some understanding and see the process as part of improving the system. She pledged that the Executive would take into account the observations of the House to increase the percentage of the implementation of 2012 Budget,” an insider source said.
