In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, the Minister said “this quote is a malicious misrepresentation of what transpired at the post-Federal Executive Council (FEC) Meeting press briefing’’.

“When I was asked a question relating to the signing of the 2017 Budget, my response was: when it is transmitted to the Presidency, the issue will be addressed.’’

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“Anything beyond that response amounts to deliberate mischief and should be ignored,’’ he said.

The statement was signed by his Special Adviser, Mr Segun Adeyemi.