End these budget embarrassments

Having practiced this profession for more than 25 years directly, I am often very reluctant to join issues with publications in the media even if it affects what I am doing.

 Instead, whenever I find some inaccuracies in facts and presentation I try to provide information and background for the sake of future presentations. Since assumption of duty as the Media Adviser to the Minister of Budget and National Planning almost a year ago,

 I have tried as much as possible to provide necessary information, often under cover, to my colleagues in practice to enable them do their job well. This would be my very first reaction in this format since I left active practice about three years ago; and I am doing this because the causative action seems persistent from one source. 


Again, I also acknowledge the fact that comments are free, while facts are scared in this business. An opinion article can flow with the perception and exposure of the writer but an Editorial does not; and therefore should not be allowed to flow with the whims of an individual, because it is the position of the media organization. It must be based on facts. 

I was surprised reading through the Editorial of  a National Newspaper on Thursday, December 1, 2016 titled “End these budget embarrassments”. A media house is at liberty to take any position on an issue it feels concerned about, but when such position is derived from false assumptions, then some ill-motive and even malice could be inferred, especially if it becomes as persistent as this has become. 

The editorial started by indicating that “On Wednesday, November 23, 2016, the Senate once again rejected the Federal Government’s draft budget for 2017. 

In addition, they condemned the 2017 to 2019 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) as well as the Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) which accompanied it.” 

This is absolutely wrong in fact and presentation. It would be necessary to point out here that at no time was the draft 2017 Budget sent to the National Assembly. The first outing of the draft 2017 budget from the Ministry of Budget and National Planning was on Wednesday, November 30, 2016, when it was presented before the Federal Executive Council (FEC), for consideration and approval.



Read More >>>