President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday handed over the 2014 budget to the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and the Director, Budget Office, Dr. Bright Okogu, for implementation. The handing over was said to have followed the signing of the document on Wednesday.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati,said Okonjo-Iweala was not around when the President signed the budget on Wednesday. He said, “The President actually signed the 2014 budget three days ago. But you know that the minister of finance was not in town. So, he needed to hand over to her and the Director, Budget Office, for onward transmission. That was what he did today (Friday).”
Immediately after handing over the document to the minister, Jonathan left Abuja for Pretoria, South Africa, to take part in discussions with other African leaders on combating terrorism in the continent as well as the inauguration of President Jacob Zuma for second term.
He is expected back in the country today (Saturday).