House of Reps summons Finance Minister, Okonjo-Iweala over statement on Nigerian economy

The House of Representatives has summoned the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala over comments credited to her that the Nigerian economy may collapse by September if the National Assembly fails to pass the 2013 Appropriation Amendment Bill.

In a motion of urgent national importance, the minority whip of the house, Rep Samson Osagie, said the minister’s statement is an attempt to blackmail the National Assembly and incite the Nigerian public against the institution.

The House said Nigerians should be aware that a subsisting Appropriation Act duly signed by the president is operational and the budget amendment proposals should not be an excuse for not implementing the budget.

Also; Reacting to Okonjo-Iweala’s statement, the Senate yesterday warned her to desist from any act capable of putting the National Assembly on a collision with the presidency on the 2013 budget amendment.

The Senate's spokesman, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, who said the Senate was perplexed by the comment, dismissed insinuations that the economy would collapse.