By Inalegwu Shaibu
ABUJA—Senate, yesterday, commenced consideration of the 2012 budget less than 48 hours after it was presented to the National Assembly by President Goodluck Jonathan with most of the Senators questioning the N921.91 billion allocated to security.

Fifty Senators were allowed by Senate President, David Mark, who presided over the session, to debate on the budget after it was introduced by Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba.

Senator Ndoma-Egba, who led the debate on the bill affirmed that the 2012 budget will liberate the Nigerian economy and bring development to the people.

He said: “The 2012 budget proposal is a stepping stone to the transformation of our economy and the country’s walk to economic freedom. This budget is not an end in itself but rather an instrument for the promotion of economic growth, wealth creation, poverty reduc-tion and service deli-very to the citizenry.”

Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekwere-madu, said the imple-mentation of the budget will enhance develo-pment and growth.

He, however, raised concerns over delay in budget submission to National Assembly by the executive, noting that it frustrates the imple-mentation processes.

He said: “The budget, if implemented, will bring hope to the people. But I am, however, worried about the timing of the budget. We are rated low in terms of implementation because of delay. Something should be done about it and transparency of the process is important.

“The 2013 budget should come to the National Assembly early. We should be able to have a public hearing on the budget before passage.”