ABUJA – Vice president, Yemi Osinbajo yesterday presided over a crucial meeting with some ministers at the presidential villa, Abuja. The meeting which was not open for media coverage was believed to have centered on the controversial 2016 budget estimates.
The meeting is preceding the meeting of the Federal Executive Council, FEC which is expected to finally take a stand on the budget.
A lot of apprehension is being raised as it was not certain what decision it would take on the budget.
But it was gathered that the meeting would look into all grey areas that had formed subjects of controversy occasioned by the alleged distortions by the National Assembly with a view to adjusting the budget in line with the economic policy agenda of present government.
At its last session presided over by the Vice President penultimate week, the ministers had met to discuss the budget passed by the Lawmakers. The Council made the copies of the budget available to the ministers who were asked to study it.
Information Minister, Mr. Lai Mohammed midway into the meeting confirmed the development to State House Correspondents, promising to issue a statement at the formal end of the session.
But there was no statement as members never returned to formally conclude the meeting. The Council did not also meet last week.
Presidency sources who spoke to Vanguard in confidence yesterday confirmed the meeting today but were uncertain over the agenda.
But another presidency source who also pleaded anonymity stated that the budget would dominate the meeting.
He stated that it was why Osinbajo held series of closed doors meetings with some meetings to essentially identify key areas of interest.
Sighted at the villa apparently for the meeting were the Ministers of Information, Mr. Lai Mohammed, Minister of Transport, Mr. Chub hike Ameachi, Communications Minister, Mr. Adebayo Shittu, Power, Works and Housing Minister, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbe amongst others.
Pressed to speak on the outcome of the meeting, the source said that it was a regular meeting of the National Economic management team.
(Vanguard)
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