Budget 2008: Kudos to the National Assembly!

We can at last start a new year with kind words for our federal parliament - the first time in very many years! And this is with regard to the 2008 Budget consideration.

The scrutiny and sagacity of the legislators in processing the executive estimates have been at once torturing and heartwarming. Yes, this drags things on, but why not?

All previous budgets in the last eight years were jamborees, convoluted and badly implemented. Indeed we have been told they were, on average, 30% implemented! Well, the old parliaments were fully culpable. Period. But da new one has found its voice, and its strength. It is working differently, confidently....

Not only has the principled approach been profitable in bringing hidden facts to light, their new and vibrant discipline has dredged up "lost & found" resources, including several illegal accounts secretly operated by the executive branch, before now! Kudos to all our representatives for this "feat"!!!

Let it be known that after passing this budget, Nigerians and our well-wishers will need, and should be given, full account of all these illegal accounts and their operations. Were there some previous ones which are now closed? Forensic audit must kick in, right away.

As many crusaders and commentators have rightly demanded, there must be recoveries and consequences. No chickening out, no cover up!

Kudos also to President Yar' Adua for enthroning the culture of, and strict adherence to, rule of law and due process. This made a world of difference to the vigorous "oversight" component.

From 2008, Budgets will never be the same again!

We are consoled...

Niger Delta: Senate on the Move!

We must commend the Nigerian Senate for holding their 2007 Retreat in Port Harcourt, right in the Niger Delta...and its "Theatre of War"! Courage.

We must double the kudos for their "limited creeks' tour" of the region...... to see things for themselves! And, did they see!!

They were so depressed, disappointed, disgusted and charged-up by their firsthand discoveries! Some wept!!

In the end, our senators returned to Abuja, DETERMINED to right da wrongs - the heartless and relentless rape of the people and their land! Bravo.

Now, we must ask the House of Reps to do same: Take a freehanded tour, like the Senate, so you can all be on da same page!

Change is at hand. CHANGE be afoot. Thank God.

After Ettehgate

Now that the House of Representatives has put the Ettehgate saga behind it, and with the generally welcomed election of Speaker Oladimeji Bankole, let the people's work begin!

While the crisis lasted, it brought out the good, the bad and the ugly of the crowd in the House. Nigerians never had it such putrefying. Now, dear reps, purify yourselves!

Start with fast-tracking the Freedom of Information Bill. Send it to the president next week! Nigerians are clamouring, and waiting.

Next, tackle the 2008 Budget just presented by the president (which was sadly delayed by Ettehgate!), as if your physical and political lives depend on it! In doing so, revisit and evaluate the 2007 Budget/Appropriation Act for full reporting/accountability.

Be firm: You be da People's Representatives!