Buhari denies rift with National Assembly over 2022 budget

President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday denied any rift with the National Assembly over the gray areas in the 2022 budget.

The President affirmed the cordial relationship between the Executive and the federal Legislature over the years. President Buhari, however, admitted disagreeing with certain sections of the budget which he said would be dialogued with the National Assembly for amendment.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, in statement issued on Sunday maintained that President Buhari and the National Assembly being led by Senate President Ahmad Lawan and House of Representatives Speaker, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, have good relationship.

The SSA also admitted that there is disagreement between the two arms of government but said that this will not alter the dynamics of their relationship.

He was of the view that President Buhari signed the budget and at the same time called for dialogue with the National Assembly to resolve the contentious issues in the appropriation act to show the democracy-loving side of his personality.

Garba Shehu stated that those trying to create dispute between the executive and legislative arms of government because of the 2022 budget will be disappointed.

President Buhari had, while signing the budget last Friday, pointed out several gray areas where the National Assembly members altered the budget without clarifications. The President had stated that he would revert the budget to the National Assembly for amendment after the public holidays.