Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has said he will sign the 2017 budget only when satisfied with its content. His spokesperson, Laolu Akande disclosed this on Wednesday as the acting president disassociated himself from a statement credited to Information Minister Lai Mohammed that the government was unsure of who will sign the budget.
The Vanguard newspaper had on Wednesday published a report titled: “We don’t know who will sign 2017 budget – Lai Mohammed.”
Mr. Mohammed quickly denied saying so.
But Mr. Akande made it clear that his boss would sign the budget into law if he is satisfied with it.
“Just so we are clear: when the time comes, everything is set, and he is satisfied, Ag. President Yemi Osinbajo will assent to the 2017 Budget,” tweeted Mr. Akande.
The National Assembly had last week passed the budget, upping the total sum by N143 billion compared to what was sent by President Muhammadu Buhari.
However, the lawmakers are yet to transmit the budget to the presidency. It is gathered that some senators are unhappy with the final version.
A “medical follow-up” letter, sent to the Senate on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari by mischievous aides, had generated controversy over Osinbajo’s status.
In the letter allegedly written by Mr. Buhari pursuant Section 145(1) of the Constitution, the president had said that his deputy would “coordinate” affairs of the government in his absence – instead of “will perform duties of my office” or “act on my behalf” as he has always written when proceeding on leave.
However, in view of section 145 of the Constitution, there can be no doubt that Osinbajo is acting president.
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