From Msughshima Andrew, Makurdi
Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has presented a N196.5 billion budget estimate for the 2019 fiscal year before the State House of Assembly.
Presenting the budget at the floor of the House, Governor Ortom represented by his deputy, Engr Benson Abounu, said the budget christened, “Budget of Security, Peace and Prosperity in Benue” had a difference of N32 billion from the 2018 budget.
According to him, the 2018 budget which was pegged at 168 billion was later jerked up to N178 billion due to unforseen circumstances arising majorly from security challenges.
Giving a breakdown of the 2019 budget, N196,502,626,436 Billion, Engr Benson Abounu, explained that the recurrent expenditure was pegged at N106 billion representing 54.1% while the capital expenditure was put at N90 billion at 45.9%.
He then assured Benue people of judicious financial management of state resources even as he promised to revamp the socioeconomic fortunes of the state.
Abounu thanked the Benue people for their resilience, restraint and their firm belief in God throughout 2018 and appealed to all and sundry to join hands together come 2019 to stem the tide of insecurity in the state.
He described the year 2019 as significant year saying “it is the year when democracy will once again, be tested as elections of officers into elective offices will hold.
“It is three fire a year of expectations, enthusiasm both on the side of he electorates and those seeking elective offices. It is a year of rekindling hope for our people for a better tomorrow and a future free of aggression and oppression, a future with lif and properties secured.
He therefore appealed to all Benue people to come together to achieve the onerous task
The Speaker of Benue State House of Assembly, Hon Titus Uba thanked the Governor for presenting the budget proposal and promise to work with his House memebers to expedite action on it in the overall interest of the state.
He also urged all Directorates, Agencies and Parastatals to get their work together so they can come promptly to defent their individual budgets.
