Yet Again, Jonathan fails to present 2014 budget over MTEF benchmarks

•  Presidency explains postponement  • Opposition expresses fear over oil benchmark 

• Alleges PDP plans to use public funds for 2015 polls

FOR the second time in a week, President Goodluck Jonathan again failed Tuesday to present the 2014 budget proposal to a joint session of the National Assembly.

  In a letter dated November 19, 2013 and addressed to the House of Representatives’ Speaker, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, which was read on the floor yesterday, Jonathan sought a deferment of the 2014 budget address.

  The letter read: “Please recall that I had written requesting the Honourable House of Representatives to grant me the slot of 12 noon on Tuesday, November 19, 2013 to enable me to address a Joint Session of the National Assembly on the 2014 Budget.

  “However, considering the fact that, whereas the Distinguished Senate has approved the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) based on a benchmark of $76.5 per barrel, the Honourable House of Representatives has used a benchmark of $79 per barrel, it is infeasible for me to present the budget in the absence of a harmonised position on the MTEF.

  “In the circumstance, it has become necessary to defer the presentation of the 2014 Budget to a joint session of the National Assembly until such a time when both respected chambers would have harmonised their positions on the MTEF. It is my hope that this will be in the shortest possible time.

  “Please accept, Honourable Speaker, the assurances of my highest consideration and esteem.”

  Two key Presidency officials further explained the government’s position. The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, told State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, that the budget’s document was ready for submission to the National Assembly. Guardian