BY HENRY UMORU

ABUJA-SENATE President David Mark said Tuesday that the 2012 budget will not be compromised, just as he warned that excuses for non implementation of budget will no longer be accepted.

Senator Mark also restated the resolve of the National Assembly to put stringent measures on the executive arm of government to faithfully implement appropriation Acts without failure.

Speaking when the Ekiti State governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi paid him a visit, Senator Mark who noted that the implementation of the 2011 budget was beyond expectation, said, “whatever item that enters into the 2012 budget must be the one that can be implemented faithfully. “The implementation of the 2011 budget has not been the best but we will get it right in 2012. Whatever we appropriate in 2012 must be implemented. No more excuses.”

Meanwhile, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, PDP, Abia South while briefing newsmen yesterday disclosed that there was no indication of when the 2012 budget will be received by the National Assembly, adding that there was no communication between the executive and the legislature on the matter, especially when the lawmakers will receive it.

According to him, ‘’When it comes, the National Assembly will do appropriate job with it. I don’t think there will be the usual going back and forth between the executive and the legislature.’’

Speaking further, Senator Mark however did not absolve the legislature of responsibility, but stressed that whatever item that gets approved in 2012 must be implemented, even as he abhorred the annual ritual of budgeting without implementation, promising that the 2012 would be a different ball game.

Senator Mark said that the National Assembly welcomes constructive criticisms but must be the kind that would engender progress and development.

He assured of the readiness of the National Assembly to commence review of the constitution which he promised will focus on areas that would stabilize that nation and promote democracy.

He said; “The 7th Senate has resolved to amend the constitution in order to bring development, good governance and address those grey areas in the constitution for the benefit of all citizens.”

Speaking earlier, the governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi who requested the National Assembly to consider his state in the proposed amendment of the constitution especially as it relates to revenue allocation, true Federalism and devolution of power, however craved for more federal projects in Ekiti State, even as he requested for the completion of the on-going ones.