The National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters on Monday rejected the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) proposed budget of N189 billion, urging the electoral body to revert to the initial N143 billion earlier submitted by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The lawmakers stated this after a closed-door meeting of the Joint Committee chaired by Senator Suleiman Nazif (APC, Bauchi).

Nazif, who read out the resolution of the Joint Committee to newsmen in Abuja, said, “As you are aware, our last meeting was held on August 17.

“We decided to resume today August 27, to consider the harmonised budget of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“The Joint Committee has sat and we have deliberated a position to adopt the N143 billion earlier presented to us by President Muhammadu Buhari.

“It is the wish of this Committee that INEC present the N143 billion as requested by Mr. President.

“This Committee therefore adjourns and will reconvene tomorrow by 1 pm to consider the N143bn INEC budget.”

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BREAKING: INEC Budget: N/Assembly rejects N189bn, insists on N143bn