Ijaw Community in Abuja has commended the National Assembly and the Presidency for their understanding and wisdom demonstrated in the early passage of the 2013 Fiscal Appropriation Bill into Law.

The group’s director of Social, Comrade Jerry Akuru who made the commendation over the weekend at Port Harcourt International Airport Omogwa in Rivers State said the nation had for the first time in several years passed the appropriation bill before beginning of the fiscal year.

“What we have always had in the past years is much controversy, name calling and unnecessary delays in the handling of our national budget. We are impressed,” he said.

Comrade Akuru who described National budget as crucial in the socio-economic life of the nation and its citizens appealed for continued demonstration of such understanding by both arms for the interest of the nation.

The group expressed dismay over what it called distractions of the present administration especially on Petroleum and Niger Delta Ministries headed by Deziani Alison-Madueke and Elder Godswill Orubebe respectively. It urged Nigerians to shun unnecessary accusations against the ministers but to rather contribute towards nation building.

Comrade Akuru who also commented on security and economic sabourtage said bombings in the northern Nigeria by the Boko Haram Sect, kidnapping and crude oil theft would not take the nation anywhere and advised those involved to repent.

He particularly urged christians and muslims in the country to focus on peace, love and exhibit other attributes of the one God both religions profess instead of focusing on what makes them different.

He said if actually those using religious difference to promote disharmony and violence were true worshippers of God, the nation would be better off.

The Ijaw group advised President Goodluck Jonathan to consolidate on the gains so far achieved and give priority to power, security and job creation in the New year.

Chris Oluoh