Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State has signed the 2013 State appropriation Bill of over eighty-three billion naira (83,785,203,408) into law.
The colourful ceremony which took place inside the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House was witnessed by the principal officers and members of the state House of Assembly and State Executive Council Members.
The State Chief Executive commended the Speaker Chief Odo for the way he and members of the house for their commitment towards ensuring the speedy passage of the bill and for the critical adjustments they made in the original bill as presented by the executive.
Chime pointed out that the upward review of the budget was to fill an observed gab and described it as a clear demonstration that both the Executive and Legislates arms of government are working together for the best interest of the people.
He also commended the corporation and excellent working relationship between the Executive and legislative arms of government during his recent vacation adding that this and the continued stability in the House has made the state the source of envy and a model of democracy in the country.
The Governor expressed the hope that government would be able to realize all the monies as engaged in the budget and promised to implement provision in the document to the letters.
Speaking while presenting the bill to the Governor for his assent the Speaker of the State House of Assembly Hon. Engene Odo said that there was an increase of more than eight hundred and fifty three million naira (853,423,408) represent 1.05 percent of the original (N82,931,780,000) billion naira presented to the House last year.
According to the Speaker the increase because very necessary to accommodate some key areas that were left out in the budget when it was presented by the Acting Governor of the State Mr. Sunday Onyebuchi on 21st December,2012.
The areas included five hundred million naira for the provision facilities at the school of midwifery ESUT Teaching Hospital Park Lane Enugu and two hundred million naira for the provision of internet facilities in some organization and ministries as well as personnel cost at the State Traffic Management Authority
Hon. Odo explained that the House took time to study and scrutinize all the sections contained in the budget adding Hat both the press and members of the Civil Society were involved in the exercise and thanked the Exco Members and official of government Ministries Agencies and Department for their Cooperation during the budget defense.
The Speaker also thanked the Legislators for their uniting efforts to ensure the timely passage of the Bill and requested the Executive to go all out and ensure full and judicious implementation of the budget to the people.
