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Ahumah Djietror Is New Clerk To Parliament

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Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror as its new Clerk of Parliament

The Parliament of Ghana has appointed Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror as its new Clerk of Parliament, after going through a fierce competition with two others.

He succeeds the current Clerk of Parliament, Mr. Cyril Kwabena Oteng Nsiah, who will be attaining the compulsory retirement age of sixty years on February 2, 2025.

The decision to settle on Mr. Djietror was by the Board of the Parliamentary Service at its extra ordinary meeting held last month.

Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror is an experienced lawyer by profession and one of the longest serving Procedural Clerks.

In addition to serving as the Clerk at the Table of the Legislative House, he has in the past served as the clerk to various committees of Parliament, including the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, the Business Committee, Committee on Judiciary as well as Committee on Foreign Affairs of Parliament.

A statement leased by the Parliamentary Service on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 revealed that the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has already issued an appointment letter to the incoming Clerk.

This is to enable him to commence work from January 1, 2025 following a directive from the Speaker to Mr. Cyril Kwabena Oteng Nsiah to proceed on his due annual leave.

Swearing-in of new MPs

One of the visibly main tasks that will welcome the newly appointed Clerk to Parliament is to Chair and oversee the swearing-in of newly elected Members of Parliament and the Speaker for the 9th Parliament on January 7, 2025.

The incoming Clerk to Parliament is expected to conduct proceedings of the House without any difficulty.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin is expected to formally announce to the House about the appointment of the new Clerk to honourable Members, before the House rises Sine Die for the Christmas holidays.

By Stephen Odoi-Larbi

President Akufo-Addo Commissions Foreign Affairs Ministry Annex

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The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has officially commissioned the annex building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration in Accra.

The six-storey state-of-the-art facility, funded through a partnership with the People’s Republic of China, is expected to enhance the Ministry’s operations and reinforce Ghana’s international presence.

The building, right in the heart of Accra was commissioned on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at the colorful.

The President extended his gratitude to the government of China for its invaluable contribution and commended the Yangjian Group and Maswab Consult for their professionalism in delivering the project.

“This new annex building represents our devotion to democracy and the enhancement of our foreign service. Let this facility inspire greater productivity, innovation and a renewed sense of purpose,” President Akufo-Addo said as he officially commissioned the building.

He also acknowledged the efforts of former Ambassador Edward Boateng for his instrumental role in realizing the initiative.

DIPLOMATIC EXCELLENCE

President Akufo-Addo, reflecting on his tenure as Foreign Minister from 2003 to 2007, lauded the significance of the Ministry in shaping Ghana’s foreign policy and international standing.

He said that a robust and efficient foreign service is the lifeblood of any nation aspiring to greatness.

President Akufo-Addo also highlighted recent achievements, such as the establishment of the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) in August 2023, Ghana’s tenure on the United Nations Security Council and initiatives like the Accra Initiative, which align with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

The President celebrated Ghana’s peaceful 2024 general elections and commended Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey for her historic achievement as the first African woman to serve as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations.

DIPLOMATIC PROGRESS

On her part, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, highlighted that the commissioning of the facility was a testament to the dedication of President Akufo-Addo’s administration to advancing diplomatic efforts and enhancing governance.

“I would like to express my profound appreciation for the healthy bilateral relations with the People’s Republic of China, which made it possible to agree on the grant for this project,” she noted. ”

The Minister commended the Zhangjiang Group Company Limited, the same contractor responsible for the main ministry building, for completing the annex in record time since beginning construction in March 2023. She also praised the consultants and local partners who contributed to the project.

LEADERSHIP

The Minister expressed her gratitude to current and former deputy ministers, chief directors, and officers for their unwavering support during her tenure.

She noted that the annex reflects the government’s commitment to addressing the Ministry’s growing operational needs and expanding Ghana’s diplomatic engagement.

“Indeed, my time as Minister has been profoundly rewarding, largely due to the collective efforts of each one of you. It is my fervent hope that this facility will drive sustainable development and cooperation towards the expansion of Ghana’s diplomatic reach,” she concluded.

COMPONENT

The new facility boasts 142 office spaces, a basement car park equipped with a transponder access system, a flag room to display the flags of Ghana’s diplomatic partners, a clinic, a fitness centre, and a press centre.

It also includes a banquet hall for 300 persons, dining and conference areas on each floor, and a state-of-the-art auditorium with a capacity of 300.

“This facility symbolises our dedication to fostering international cooperation and will serve as a cornerstone for future diplomatic activities,” Ayorkor Botchwey added.

Gov’t Implementing Reforms To Enhance Tertiary Education                        – President Akufo-Addo

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President Akufo-Addo

The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has said that the government is implementing reforms to enhance tertiary education in Ghana to improve access, governance and quality.

According to the President, these reforms are aimed at positioning tertiary institutions to compete on the global stage, while equipping students with the tools to thrive.

Speaking at the 16th graduation of the University of Professional Studies (UPSA) on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 President Akufo-Addo said the reforms at the tertiary level are the continuation of the Free Senior High School policy that his government has prioritised over the last eight years.

He said that the national security strategy outlines the government’s resolve to build an educational infrastructure based on equity, quality and inclusivity, ensuring that no child is indeed left behind.

UPSA

The President attended the graduation and also commissioned the newly constructed Twin Towers and Multi-Purpose Lecture Block, the Abednego E.O. Amartey Towers, dedicated to the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abednego Amartey.

The president, in his speech, acknowledged the tremendous progress of UPSA, describing it as “a shining example of the transformative power of education and vision. From its humble beginnings as the Institute of Professional Studies to its present status as one of Ghana’s leading institutions of higher learning, UPSA’s journey has been remarkable.

“This evolution is proof of the dedication, resilience and forward-thinking leadership that have brought it this far. Indeed, UPSA has become synonymous with academic excellence and professional training, nurturing graduates who are equipped to meet the demands of a dynamic and rapidly evolving world,” the president remarked.

GRADUANDS

To the graduating class, the president encouraged them to embrace three guiding principles that had served him well, which he mentioned as hard work, excellence and patriotism. He told them that the road ahead will not always be easy, but through strength and loyalty, they could achieve greatness.

“Excellence must be your watchword. Never settle for good enough,” he said, adding that the nation needs their skills, ideas and energy to develop Ghana.

President Akufo-Addo commended the leadership, faculty and staff of UPSA for their invaluable contributions to nation building.

“Through your work, you are shaping the future of Ghana, and I encourage you to continue with even greater resolve. To the graduating class, I say once again, congratulations. This is just the beginning. Go forth with confidence, courage, and a sense of purpose.”

Editorial: The Presentation Of Mini-Budget: Should Majority Apply The Law Of Karma?

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Editorial

The Minority members in Parliament, according to a story we carried yesterday, are begging the Majority side to begin the process for approval of a mini budget for the first quarter of 2025.According to them (Minority), failure of the House to approve the expenditure in advance of appropriation from January to March 2025, before it dissolves, could have dire consequences, including the risk of public sector workers not being paid.

“And so, colleagues, I want to beg our brothers and sisters on the other side of the House. In 2016, when it happened to us, we came and we supported them to bring the vote on account, and so they should help us to also bring the vote on account so that we can pass it for the coming government,” Member of Parliament for Ho West, Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, reportedly said on the floor.

The constitution states that there should be a vote on account approved by Parliament for the first quarter of the year after a general election. This is to give the new government the spending power, while it settles to prepare a comprehensive fiscal policy for the year. But with the Majority ‘dilly dallying’ with the process to present the budget, it appears danger lies ahead of the country as workers risk not being paid from January to March next year.

But as much as we sympathise with the minority, we think they have themselves to blame over the latest development. With this outgoing parliament being a hung one, the Minority themselves will attest to the fact that they have given their majority counterparts a hell of time. When the former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, kept assuring Ghanaians that they would not go back to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a bailout, he was banking all his hopes on the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy) that was about to be introduced.

Surprisingly the National Democratic Congress (NDC) minority made a huge capital out of the new bill. When the bill was finally passed, the government could not achieve the target it set for itself in terms of revenue generation. This compelled the government to eat a humble pie and go back to the IMF.

Again, when the Supreme Court ruled that Speaker Bagbin had no power to sack Members who had taken the decision to contest the just ended general elections as independent candidates, the Minority went bonkers and refused to accept the ruling, insisting that they were rather the majority.

This back and forth argument affected the work of parliament, with the Majority failing to push through government policies and programmes before the December elections. Strangely, the Minority that refused to accept the Supreme Court ruling has made a sudden U-turn when the house resumed sitting. Though the Supreme Court ruling on the subject was very grotesque to us, the Minority members should have still respected it, but the opposite was what initially happened.

Interestingly the NDC have now won the general elections and are going to control what is being described as ‘super majority’ in parliament for the next four years. The flagbearer of the party, Mr John Dramani Mahama, is also going to head the executive, starting from January 7, 2025. Now realising that government workers will blame them should they fail to receive their January to March 2025 salaries, the Minority is now begging the Majority to bring the mini budget that will allow the Mahama government to spend in the first quarter of 2025.

This is a very fascinating development that should have brought to the fore the principles of the law of karma. But in our opinion, this principle when applied by the majority will not inure to the benefit of Ghanaians. This is the reason why The Chronicle is appealing to the Finance Minister, Dr Amin Adam, to do his utmost best to present the mini budget for discussion and subsequent approval by the House.

The Christmas holidays are just around the corner and should the finance minister fail to present the budget, it will, as we earlier indicated, have adverse effect on the national economy since workers are not going to be paid. Though the Minority members have indeed frustrated the government, this is not the payback time. The Majority should let voters take that decision.

The Alan Factor and the Devastation Effect of Defections

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Mr Alan Kyerematen

Many Ghanaians are out and about condemning Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen with what they called an abysmal performance in the General Elections on December 7, 2024. But the issue here is that he placed fourth and beat six established parties.

Alan Kyerematen, a pillar and founding member of the New Patriotic Party, was one of the leading members, until he departed to run independently after what he claimed was mistreatment over almost seventeen years, after he ceded victory to H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo in the party’s 2007 presidential primary.

I am not here to defend or condemn him for what he did. I only want to draw attention to how defections can have devastating effects on political parties and how Alan’s case, may not be an exception.

In 1978, after William Ofori-Atta (Paa Willie) defected from the UP Tradition, he founded his own party, the United National Convention (UNC). Paa Willie would not accept the majority decision of forming a new party without including non-UP people who had converted. The rest formed the People Front Party (PFP) in 1979.

The elections were run on June 18, 1979 and out of 140 seats, the Nkrumaist People’s National Party, led by Dr. Hilla Limann won 71 seats, the PFP won 42 seats and the UNC won 13 seats. It is interesting to note that in a number of constituencies, when the number of votes a PFP candidate had is added to the UNC candidate’s, the figure exceeds that of the winning PNP candidate.

This defection cost the UP Tradition deny it the majority seats in Parliament. Also interesting to note, is the presidential result. Dr. Hilla Limann led with 631,559 votes (35.32%) and Victor Owusu came second with 533,928 votes (29.86%) and Paa Willie secured 311,265 votes (17.41) to place third. If Paa Willie had not defected, it could be said that the PFP presidential candidate may secure 845,184 votes (42.26%) and would have gone into the run-off with majority seats in Parliament.

It is very obvious who will win the second round.

In 2000, there was a breakaway group from the NDC which went to form the National Reform Party. In a sizable number of constituencies, the total votes of the NDC and the Reform Party candidates exceeded what the NPP candidates had to win the seat. The NPP would not have won majority seats in the 3rd Parliament.

For example, NPP’s Hon Alex SeiduSofoof Damango constituency secured 8,012 votes (45.90%) to win the seat. Nelson Y. Yakubu of the NDC secured 7,665 votes (43.90%) and the National Reform Party candidate, Ewuntomah C. Boreche secured 377 votes (2.20%). If there were no division and defection in the NDC camp, whoever would be its candidate would have secured 8,042 votes to win the seat.

Also, Hon. John Achiworlor of the NPP won the Navrongo Central seat with 11,246 votes (41.5%) while Clement T. Bugase of the NDC secured 11,103 votes (40.90%) and Kaguah A. Castor of the National Reform Party, secured 604 votes (2.20%).  It was another seat lost to the NDC.

There are some more, however these two examples are to demonstrate the devasting effects, divisions and defections can create for political parties.

So, how does Alan come in? He left the NPP and run independent, so he had no parliamentary candidates to ruin NPP’s chances of dominating Parliament.

Election 2024, has its mysteries. Why should the winner not secure millions of votes more than what he had in 2020? And why should the second-place candidate, lose over 2 million votes than his predecessor had in 2020?

Why should millions of Ghanaians, most likely NPP supporters and sympathizers stay away from the polls, which resulted in badly affecting the chances of both its presidential and parliamentary candidates?

It could be for this reason. In 2007, Nana Addo stood in front of party faithful in Legon and publicly pronounced that Alan would succeed him. But when he won the presidency in 2016 and came into office in 2017, the Institution made sure that Alan was not going to get the nod. And everybody was watching with shock and amazement.

Then openly in public, this disregarding of Alan, was displayed when during a party rally in Assin North for the bye-election, the party’s National Organizer, Nana B, snatcheda mic from Alan when he was about to speak to the crowd and handed it over to Bawumia who just arrived. This show of disrespect to an adult, might have set minds wondering whether NPP was a party in peace, unity and respect for one another.

Nana B, by the way was about 10 or 11 years old in 1992, when people like Alan Kyerematen was sacrificing to build the NPP. When a child is allowed by his family to disrespect an older person, people begin to believe that, that family is not worth the name. They will conclude that children are reared there and not brought up.

Unfortunately, this was the picture that was painted to Ghanaians. So, most likely when Alan left the NPP to run independent, many may have concluded that all was not well in the party. But being dye-in-the-wool supporters of the party, they will never vote for any candidate.So, the only choice was to stay away from the polls. Of course, they were not convinced that Alan would win the elections and so, it was better not to go to the polls and have your little finger messed up with ink.

This may explain the desertion from the polls by millions of voters. But this should not take the credibility of victory from the NDC. It worked for victory and it deserves it. No one should attempt to take it away from the NDC. It presented a united front, a family at peace with one another, while the NPP was having internal conflicts. Who should Ghanaians seriously vote for? A party coming in peace and with peace or the one coming internally at war?

The NPP has a lot of work to do, if it must gain the confidence of Ghanaians, again. Unfortunately, the master administrator, Stephen Ntim who was deliberately denied the national chairmanship position for sixteen years, came in when all was rotten and bad. I may only plead that he is given a second chance to do what he knows best.

I am not advocating for the return of Alan. He should be allowed to be. What NPP has to do now is to fix the problems within and remove all forms of democratic dictatorship in the party and come out more united. Then in 2028, by the grace of God, NPP will win the elections after presenting a clean face of honesty and sincerity to all Ghanaians.

Hon. Daniel Dugan

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect The Chronicle’s stance.

524 persons die in Road Accidents in Ashanti between January and October 2024

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A member of the team fixing a 'drive safely' sticker on a car

As many as 524 persons died from road accidents in Ashanti Region out of a total of 2,038 deaths nationwide from January to October this year, Mr. Kwasi Agyenim Boateng, Ashanti Regional Head of National Road Safety Authority has disclosed.

Edmund Oduro Agyei addressing members of the team

He made the disclosure when he talked to newsmen during a Road Safety sensitization programme dubbed “Okwansodwoo, dwoo” put together by AGA Obuasi Mine in collaboration with DVLA, National Road Safety Authority and other stakeholders at Obuasi as part of measures to ensure accident free Christmas.

Mr. Agyenim Boateng said the death figure in Ashanti was about 25% of the national death toll and stressed the need for enforcement of road safety regulations.He pointed out that over 90% of road traffic accidents are human errors and called on drivers to be careful on the road during Christmas.

Mr. Emmanuel Damoah, Director for Safety Campaign Ghana encouraged passengers to be courageous enough to talk to drivers who indulge in over speeding.He also charged drivers to drive according to road conditions so that they will always arrive at their destinations safely.

Mr Edwin Ofori, Obuasi Manager of DVLA called on drivers to ensure that before they hit the road they must make sure that all their driving documents are validated.

“Over speeding at this time is not what we want. Rather you maintain a good speed so that at the end of the day you will be able to reach your destination safely,” he said.

Stakeholders in a group picture after the exercise

On his part, the Community Relations Manager of AGA, Mr. Edmund Oduro Agyei, said the objective of the company for coming out with the programme was to ensure that drivers drive and arrive at their destinations safely. He stated that AGA stands for safety hence the collaboration with stakeholders to embark on the road safety sensitization.

From Frederick Danso Abeam, Obuasi

USAID donates Mobile Health Clinic Van to HopeXchange Medical Center 

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Dr. Zohra Balsara assisted by HopeXchange General Manager to officially commission the Mobile Clinic Van

The United States, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID) has donated a $220,000 mobile health clinic van to HopeXchange Medical Center in Kumasi to facilitate medical outreach for Ghanaians.

Dr. Zohra Balsara, Health Office Director USAID, Ghana at the handing over ceremony explained that the mobile clinic is equipped with an ultrasound machine and printer, an echocardiogram machine, two examination beds, three consulting rooms, air conditioners, a refrigerator for Vaccines, a generator and power system.

The donated Mobile Health Clinic Van

According to her, HopeXchange Medical Center in Kumasi will manage and operate the clinic and provide specialized medical screenings to communities in the Ashanti region and beyond.

She expressed the hope that with the introduction of the mobile clinic, preventive, promotive and curative health services would be brought to the doorsteps of those who are unable to travel to Kumasi.

Dr. Zohra, USAID/Ghana Health Office Director said the beauty of the HopeXchange model is that everyone has the right to the highest level of quality health care, embodying a true vision of equity.

She said the HopeXchange Medical Center is a state-of-the-art health care facility managed by the Christian Health Authority of Ghana (CHAG) that serves four million people across Ghana.

Dr. Zohra Balsara addressing the gathering at the commissioning ceremony

According to her, USAID has since 2013 provided $3.5 million to HopeXchange to, among other things, establish and equip its pathology laboratory for the women’s Cancer Center, support clinical and research programmes, and construct a maternal-child health center with a labor and delivery suite, neonatal and pediatric intensive care unitsand an adolescent clinic.

Mr. Dominic Osei Kofi, General Manager of HopeXchange receiving the Mobile Clinic Van expressed gratitude to the partnership of USAID/ASHA.

He said the HopeXchange Medical Center has a dedicated outreach team of clinicians that conduct routine outreach to communities, and that last year October 2023 to September 2024, the outreach team researched 12,517 people across 63 communities in the Ashanti and Bono East regions.

Mr. Osei Kofi expressed optimism that the Mobile Clinic Van would enable the outreach team to significantly expand its Community services and augment their outreach activities.

He revealed that Medical screening in rural and poor Communities has been part of their services even before the start of the hospital and now one of their core activities.

He said their robust and dedicated Outreach Team of clinicians reach out to communities within the Ashanti and Bono East regions with health education and medical screening at no cost to the people.

General Manager Osei Kofi indicated that about 20 persons identified with masses in their breasts during various outreaches received various interventions ranging from ultrasound and ICT scans, histopathological diagnosis to free surgery and that they returned home with renewed hope for life.

The General Manager re-affirmed that the Mobile Clinic would allow the Outreach Team to reach underserved and remote Communities nationwide, offering health education and medical screenings including specialized services.He said it will also provide essential free quality medical care to people who otherwise lack access, including children in need.

Many children feared dead in Ibadan carnival stampede

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Many children have reportedly lost their lives in a stampede that occurred at a carnival in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

The incident occurred in the Bashorun area of Ibadan on Wednesday.

The number of casualties have not been ascertained as at the time of filing this report.

However, it was learnt that the victims have been rushed to some hospitals within Ibadan metropolis.

It was further gathered that the carnival was billed to take place on Wednesday but some parents took their children to the location on Tuesday, while some arrived at the venue in the early hours of Wednesday.

The rush to enter the venue resulted in a stampede, with many children feared dead.

Efforts made by DAILY POST to get a reaction from the Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Police Command, Adewale Osifeso, were not successful.

But, the Oyo State Government confirmed the development in a statement.

Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, while confirming the incident, noted that the state government has responded to the situation.

He said: “A stampede occurred at the private children’s fun fair held at Basorun Islamic High School, leading to loss of lives, mostly children, with some others injured in the early hours of today.

“The State Government swiftly mobilised a rapid response team following the breaking of the incident.

“Victims have been swiftly transported to various hospitals within the Ibadan metropolis for medical attention.”

Credit: dailypost.ng

Man promised pardon after 10yrs on death row for stealing hens

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Segun Olowookere was 17 years old in 2010 when he was arrested

A Nigerian man who has spent 10 years on death row for stealing some hens and eggs has been promised a pardon by the governor of the south-western Osun state.

Segun Olowookere was 17 years old in 2010 when he was arrested along with his accomplice, Morakinyo Sunday.

They were said to have attacked the home of a police officer and another person with an old-fashioned wooden gun and a sword but only got away with the poultry.

In 2014, Justice Jide Falola of the Osun State High Court sentenced the two to death by hanging after finding them guilty of forcefully breaking into the police officer’s house and stealing his belongings.

There was an outcry across Nigeria at the time as many felt the sentence was too harsh.

The duo were subsequently moved to the notorious Kirikiri maximum security prison in Lagos state where they’ve been in the death row wing.

In a statement on Tuesday, governor Ademola Adeleke directed that Olowookere should be pardoned as it was important to protect the sanctity of life.

“I have directed the Commissioner for Justice to initiate processes to grant prerogative of mercy to the young man.

“Osun is a land of justice and equity. We must ensure fairness and protection of the sanctity of lives,” the governor posted on X.

The fate of Morakinyo Sunday, who was sentenced alongside Olowookere, is unclear as his name wasn’t mentioned in the statement.

For years, Olowookere’s parents, human rights groups and other Nigerians have fought for his release.

His parents were recently on a podcast where they cried and begged for their only child to be pardoned.

He is expected to be freed early in 2025.

Nigeria has not carried out an execution since 2012 but there are currently more than 3,400 people on death row.

Credit: bbc.com

Stubborn Ministers have no place in your govt, Akpabio tells Tinubu 

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Senate President Godswill Akpabio

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has asked President Bola Tinubu to caution “intransigent ministers” in his cabinet who won’t respond to invitations by the National Assembly.

Akpabio said such ministers have no place in Tinubu’s cabinet because they are not democrats.

The Senate President made this known on Wednesday when the President presented 2025 budget estimates of N47.9 tn before a joint session of the National Assembly.

“Those who disregard invitation by the National Assembly are not democratic and therefore have no place in your government,” Akpabio told Tinubu before a full house of members of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

He stressed the need for ministers and appointees of the President to respond promptly to the requests of the National Assembly to provide necessary explanations regarding their stewardship.

The Senate President said the legislators have the constitutional powers to take action when they refuse to appear before the red and green chambers.

Tinubu was accompanied to the budget presentation by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume; and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; among other top government officials.

The presentation was expected to take place on Tuesday but that was moved to Wednesday after a meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) held on Monday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Credit: channelstv.com

The Ghanaian Chronicle