By Raphael Ede
Enugu
The Enugu sate House of Assembly, yesterday approved virement for Governor Ugwuanyi to pull out of six billion, two hundred and thirteen million, one hundred and twenty-eight thousand, four hundred and thirty-five naira, four kobo (N6, 213,128,435,04) from some sectors in the 2016 budget to fund some sectors it considered more critical.
The sectors to benefit from the vehement are works, education and health sectors.
Presenting the executive bill during the plenary, the leader of the house, Hon. Ikechukwu Ezeugu (Udenu), explained that the move became necessary as a result of state government’s quest in improving critical infrastructure that are yearning for attention such as the state government’s intervention on repair of failed portions of federal roads in the state.
Contributing to the motion, the deputy speaker, Hon. Donatus Uzogbado (Oji River), said that such was the first time the state executive was bring the attention of the house to virement, indicating executive’s respect for rule of the law.
Uzogbado expressed readiness of the house in partnering with the executive to move the state forward.
Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Mathias Ekweremadu (Aninri), described the bill as friendly and urged his colleagues to give it a positive consideration.
Ekweremadu moved a motion that the bill should be put to a voice vote which was seconded by Hon. Nelson Uduji (Awgu south).
The house however suspended some sections of its standing rule which enable it give the bill first and second reading before passing it.
Speaker of the house, Hon. Edward Ubosi, commended members for their contribution and pro-activeness in giving the bill accelerated pass.