N/Assembly to Disburse Excess Crude Oil Funds
From Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi
The National Assembly is looking into the possibility of disbursing additional funds accruing from the increase in crude oil to States in the Federation with a view to enhancing their socio-economic status.
The member representing Darazo/Ganjuwa Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Mohammed Labaran, who was in Bauchi to attend this year's House of Representatives Retreat made the disclosure during a chat with our correspondent.
According to him, "the allocation of adequate funds to states and local governments would make positive impact on the lives of many Nigerians and that is what democracy is all about - impacting positively on the lives of the masses of the people you represent".
Labaran said the Lower House has started deliberating on the possibility of distributing the oil windfall stressing that it is imperative for the House to ensure the judicious spending of the surplus for the benefit of the entire citizenry across the country.
The lawmaker also revealed that the National Assembly has approved a reasonable amount of money for the Plateau State Administrator to ensure the sustenance of peace and reconciliation in the state, maintaining that progress and development can only take place in an atmosphere of peace and stability.
Labaran, who is also a member of the House Committees on Appropriation; Education; Anti-Corruption; and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) said the 2004 budget was based on $25 per barrel, adding that a barrel of crude oil at the international market was now being sold $44 per barrel "which is a blessing to the nation's economy".
He observed that last year's budget did not favour Bauchi State, stressing that representatives of the state in the National Assembly have resolved to ensure that the state receives adequate allocation in next year's budget.
He assured that Turam-Soro Federal Electrification Project would be completed next year to enable villages within the area have electricity supply.
He commended the state government for its continued humanitarian service, and expressed hope that the gesture would be sustained.
The legislator then called on communities in his area not to relent in their efforts to complement government efforts by embarking on self-help projects for the rapid growth of the area.
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