By Chris Chimezie
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A Public Affairs Analyst, Mr Obayoriju Abbass has described what transpired at the National Assembly during the presentation of the 2019 Budget as lack of parliamentary decorum and a national embarrassment.

Abbass who is based in Akure, expressed this view yesterday, while speaking with The Hope on the lawmaker’s show of shame at the Hallow Chamber.

President Muhammadu Buhari had gone to present the proposed N8.83 trillion budget for 2019 fiscal year to a joint session of the National Assembly which was however, greeted with protest by a section of the House.

He said bickering, disagreement and clash of interest are synonymous with the legislature universally, but should be frowned upon by all, when such act is driven beyond the ambience of decency.

“At a time when a critical issue like budget presentation is being placed before the National Assembly, at a time we are facing the election year and at a time our economy appears not too good, I think it calls for a sober reflection from from everyone, especially those saddled, constitutionally with the dissecting of an important issue like the budget.

“Turning such an auspicious occasion into a rancorous one should not be welcomed. It should be a time when all hands must be on deck to put the national interest above every other interests”, he said.

He stressed that both sides of the divide, the hailers and those booing the President should be seen as a group of people advancing partisan cleavages over and above our collective interest as a nation.

The Public Affairs Analyst admonished members of the National Assembly to always be mindful of their activities as all eyes are on the nation, nationally and globally, saying all these come together to form a kind of negative impression for the country in the comity of nation.

“We enjoin the National Assembly to ensure that it avoids the reoccurrence of such an unparliamentary attitude that could portray them as uncivilized set of people and undeserving of national pride.

“They should be concerned about the presented budget and look at it holistically, fine-tune it in such a way that all and sundry would benefit from its implementation”, he said.