NASS Shuts Down Banks, Business Premises, as Buhari Presents 2016 Budget

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Monday, December 21st, 2015

Ayodele Afolabi, Abuja

Ahead of 2016 budget presentation on Tuesday by President Muhamnadu Buhari to the joint session of the National Assembly (NASS), all staff of the legislative complex and organizations running private businesses within the premises, have been directed to stay away from the area today.

According to a circular issued to that effect from the office of the Clerk to the NASS, Alhaji Salisu Maikasuwa, the stay away directive is to prevent any form of rowdy atmosphere during the budget presentation by Mr. President.

The circular signed by the Director, Personnel Management, Mamud A Abubakar on behalf of the Clerk, however exempted staffers of the National Assembly working in any of the two chambers and security personnel from the stay away instruction, just as it warned that appropriate punishment would be meted out to any staff found flouting the order.

Business organizations affected by the stay away order include, all operators of Banks, eateries, Airlines, Insurance outfits, telecommunication centers and the National Open University Office (NOUN).

The statement entitled: “Presentation of 2016 Budget to National Assembly by President Muhamnadu Buhari” reads “The President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari , is presenting the 2016 Budget to the National Assembly on Tuesday , December 22, 2015.

“In view of the above, all staff of the National Assembly as well as the operators of Business outfits in the National Assembly Complex with exception of those on essential duties e.g, Chamber, Security and Medical Staff are directed to stay away from the NASS complex on 22nd December, 2015.

“Any staff found to have violated this instruction will face appropriate disciplinary action”.

Meanwhile, security operatives have taken over the NASS premises since Sunday evening just as last minute preparations for the event were seen being carried out by staffers of the National Assembly such as laying of the red carpet from the main entrance into the White House to the House of Representatives Chamber where the joint session would hold for the presentation.