The Delta State Appropriation Bill of Five hundred and sixty one point eight billion naira for the services of the state in the 2023 fiscal year, Wednesday came under scrutining on the floor of the State Assembly.
The Legislators at plenary presided over by the Speaker, Sheriff Oborevwori took time to dissect the proposed financial legal document and stressed the need for its early passage.
Leading debates for the second reading of the Appropriation bill, popularly known as State Budget, the Majority Leader, Ferguson Onwo, said the main focus of the bill as presented last week Wednesday by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, is consolidating and expanding the gains of the present administration in the state.
Onwo explained that the proposed estimates, christened “Budget of Seamless and Stable Transition”, provides for completion of on going projects and exploring new frontiers that would promote peace, security, good governance and development of the state.
The Majority Leader’s argument was supported by the Deputy Speaker, Ochor Christopher Ochor, Chief Whip, Pat Ajudua, Deputy Majority Leader, Kenneth Oboro Preyor, Deputy Chief Whip, Solomon Ighrakpata and Majority Whip, Festus Okoh.
The five principal officers highlighted the achievements of the Okowa’s administration in the past seven and half years, saying that the budget for 2023 fiscal year would further enhanced the long term development plans of the state government and its commitment to bequeathing a sound lasting legacies at the end of the tenure.
They stated that funding of the Five hundred and sixty one point eight billion naira budget estimates would not be difficult as great prospects surrounds the proposed sources of income, including Internally generated revenue, statutory allocation and other capital receipts.
Honorables Emeka Nwaobi, Aniocha North, Reuben Izeze, Ughelli South, Anthony Elekeokwuri, Ika North East, Peter Uviejitobor, Udu, Emomotimi Guwor, Warri South West, Austin Uroye, Warri South one, Charles Emetulu, Ndokwa West and Jude Ogbimi, Isoko North also took turns to Xray the merits of the Appropriation bill and commended the governor for the timely presentation.
The Lawmakers identified several areas covered in the proposed budget, stressing that all sectors of the state economy were covered as government was committed to providing sustained investments in new areas, complete ongoing projects, create employment and business opportunities, promote vibrant social services, secure the state in term of peace and security as well as create friendly environment for investment to thrive in the state.
For their part, Honorables Felix Anirah, Sapele, Mathew Opuoru, Warri South two, Asupa Forteta, Burutu one, Ebipade Pullah, Burutu two, Charles Onyiyere, Ughelli North One, Shedrack Rapu, Oshimili South, and Ovuakpoye Evive, Isoko South one, described the proposed estimates as a realistic budget, stressing that it would enhanced socio-economic growth and infrastructural development in the state.
The Speaker, Sheriff Oborevwori who commended members for their contributions during debates on the merits of the bill, thereafter referred it to the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation for further legislative actions.
Other standing committees of the House are to serve as sub committees as regards the Appropriation bill.
The Speaker gave two weeks for the Finance and Appropriation Committee to submit its report.
The House adjourned till Wednesday, 9th November 2023.