Lawmaker representing Afikpo North/South Federal Constituency in the House of Representative, Igariwey Iduma Enwo, has called for an all-inclusive budget that will involve inputs of all stakeholders to stimulate economic growth.
This is apt given the level of disconnect that characterises the nation’s budgetary system, he said.
The federal lawmaker told BusinessDay on the sidelines of USAID Nigeria programme on strengthening advocacy and civic engagement on Tuesday in Abuja, that: “What we often witness is a kind of top-to- bottom approach in the budgetary system, which doesn’t address the core needs of the people. The top-to-bottom budgetary approach cannot lift our people out of poverty and this is a cause for concern.
“For instance, in my constituency, I engage the people from time to time. From the request and discussions I had with them, I know how to lobby and get a project down to them in respect to constituency project.”
The lawmaker, who is a member of the National Assembly Joint Committee on Finance, Appropriation and National Planning, said: “Between the time the budget is presented to the National Assembly and the time of passage, most times the limited time does not encourage a critical look at the budget assumptions which is also a cause for concern.
“For me to ensure I address the needs of my constituents, I ensure that I engage them more closely to ascertain really what their needs are. I cannot provide for them post office when they told me they need hospital. This is what I mean by addressing the needs of the people using bottom-to-top approach.”
On his position on the social media bill, he said: “The bill may have been dead on arrival arising from the infringement on the fundamental rights of Nigerians, which is the freedom of expression and also a fundamental factor in any democratic setting if real democratic ideas must be upheld.”
He added: “Any bill that is inconsistent with the issue of the constitutions is dead on arrival.”
