BYHENRY UMORU, INALEGWU SHAIBU
ABUJA – FIVE weeks to the end of the year, President Goodluck Jonathan is seeking a virement of N98,444,231,972 in the 2011 Appropriation, just as strong indications emerged yesterday that National Assembly may extend the life span of the budget beyond December 31.

The Senate, in particular, was up till yesterday still expecting the 2012 budget, which the Chairman, Senate Committee on Information and Public Affairs, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, told journalists might reach the National Assembly by month end for legislative action.

It was gathered that the request by President Jonathan for a virement may not have an easy ride in the National Assembly unless the life span of the 2011 was extended against the backdrop of the fact that after December 31 when the 2011 budget expires, it would be impossible to spend money under the budget.

At yesterday’s session, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, had canvassed for a good working relationship with the House of Representatives for the extension of the life span of the 2011 budget to next year.

Supporting Ekweremadu, Senate President, David Mark, said: “Even if the money is vired, how can it be spent?”

He added that, in view of the fact that there were few weeks to the end of the year, the joint Senate Committees should work on the proposed virement and report back to the Senate within one week.

Also contributing to the debate, Senator Ahmed Lawal, ANPP, Yobe North, said “ we need to know clearly or establish where the money is coming from and where is it going.

According to him, close to N8 billion meant for social services is being vired to contingencies.

‘’ We need to look at the request thoroughly,” he insisted.

Also speaking, Senator Chris Anyanwu, APGA, Imo East, queried: “If you take money meant for poverty alleviation, where are you taking it to?”

Other senators, who questioned the timing of the virement, urged the Senate Committee the issue would be referred to be cautious and ensure that money meant for critical ministries were not vired, so as not to cripple the ministry.

Some senators were totally opposed to the proposal.