Enugu
The Enugu state 2018 appropriation amounting to N103.5 billion was yesterday signed into law by Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
The Governor, who was glad that the lawmakers speedy considered the appropriation, reiterated the resolve of his administration’s resolve to deliver good governance with a view to unlocking the potentials of the state.
The governor said he was committed to the full and prompt implementation of the budget adding that the considerate passage of the budget demonstrates their commitment to change the architectural complexion of the state.
He appreciated the existing cooperation between the executive and the legislature, adding that he was not taking for granted the wonderful relationship between the two arms of government.
Earlier, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr Edward Ubosi, said the legislators had after wide consultations and robust debate jerked up the budget estimate.
Ubosi said that the increase became necessary in order to accommodate the various road projects in the state that needed urgent attention. He said that the budget was realistic and accommodated the pressing needs of the state.
The Speaker said that the 2018 budget reduced external and internal borrowings of the state by 60 per cent and would not drag the state into any form of indebtedness.
Ubosi said that the gains of the 2018 budget were clear testimony that the State Board of Internal Revenue was alive to its responsibilities, adding that the legislators were impressed.
“We are happy with the way the revenue board is working to reduce stress from the government but they should not put hardship on our people,” he said.
He commended the governor for the prudent management of the state’s resources. The governor had on Dec. 28, 2017 presented a budget estimate of N98.5billion to the state assembly.
The budget was passed on Feb. 12, 2018 by the Enugu State House of Assembly according to the governor’s plea that they should expedite action on the passage of the budget estimate.