Ellen Finally Approves National Budget At long last, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has finally approved Liberia’s 2013/2014 National Budget into law. The Liberian leader’s approval of the fiscal National Budget follows a criticism from Representative Gabriel Buchanan Smith of Electoral District #3, who termed the delay in the signing of the Budget as national economic embarrassment for the country and people. According to him, Liberians are currently living in hardship due to the Liberian leader’s reported refusal to approve the fiscal instrument at the time. He claimed that since the Budget was passed by both houses early in September this year, the President could not sign the Budget, thus creating high level of unemployment and poverty. Representative Smith argued that if the Budget was passed, more Liberians would be temporarily employed through the construction of public edifices and other projects. He demanded that the Liberian leader send the Budget back to the 53rd National Legislature for any amendment of budgetary allocations. Representative Smith claimed that his colleagues from both Houses were always prepared to work in the interest of the masses if the need arises. But Presidential Press Secretary Jerolinmek M. Piah condemned the assertions of the Grand Bassa County lawmaker. According to him, the legislator’s statement is irresponsible and reckless against the Liberian presidency. He argued that the Budget is before the National Legislature and not the Executive Branch headed by the President of Liberia. His statement was also buttressed by the Ministry of Finance, which argued that Representative Smith was not knowledgeable on the whereabouts of the budget. According to the Ministry, the Legislature had the 2013/2014 National Budget and not the President. Despite his outburst, Representative Smith has lauded the Liberian leader for the urgent approval of the Budget following reported delay.
Posted on: Wed, 23 Oct 2013 21:05:47 +0000
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