Obasanjo meets Buhari at Aso Rock

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo has said that the supposed delay in assenting to the 2016 appropriation by President Muhammadu Buhari does not affect government’s expenditures and operations within this period.

Obasanjo disclosed this when he spoke with journalists at the State House Abuja after an audience with President Buhari.

The full details of the budget was finally transmitted from the National Assembly to the President, shortly before Obasanjo’s visit to the Presidential Villa. There are fears that the prolonged delay in the assent of the budget may put more pressure on the country’s already dwindling economy.

Speaking further to journalists, Obasanjo explained that despite the expected delays, while the document is being reviewed by the president, the constitution allows the President to continue operating on the old budget. “The constitution allows you to continue with the budget provided you did not go beyond the previous year and that can be done up till the middle of the year,” he said adding that he could not comment on the budget as he had not had the opportunity to go through it..

Also clarifying that he was in the villa to share his experiences with President Buhari having occupied the office in the past. He however, declined to comment on the experiences he shared with President Buhari. “If I say I share experiences with my wife, will you ask what I discussed with my wife?” he asked in his usual humorous manner.

 

Elizabeth Archibong