A bill for a law to provide for the sum of 410,132, 225, 272 (Four hundred and ten billion, one hundrend and thirty-two million, two hundred and twenty-five thousand, two hundred and seventy-two naira) for services of the government of Anambra state of Nigeria for the year ending thirty first December, 2024 and for related purposes has been read for the second time at plenary.
ANN reports that Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Jude Akpua while leading the debate stated that every government requires substantial funding for the smooth running of government.
Hon. Akpua who is the member representing Njikoka two constituency maintained that the government of Anambra state requires a very huge amount of money to keep the administration running and that the budget is realistic.
Supporting the bill, house committee chairman on finance and appropriation Hon. Ejike Okechukwu urged the commissioner for finance to make sure that funds should be released as at when duo, when ever they are available.
Hon. Ejike Okechukwu who is the member representing Anaocha two constituency said the bill has 57 percent increase which is a good one and a sign that Anambra state is moving farward.
Hon. Anayo Okpalaeke representing Aguata one constituency in his submission commended Governor Chukwu Soludo for consodering the future through prioritizing health, education and infrastructure.
Hon. Nobel Igwe (Ogbaru One) called for all leckages of revenue to be blocked because the administration of the present government is a prudent one. He revealed that the welfare of civil servicen needs more allocation and that if the budget is implemented, the state will benefit from it.
Hon. Emma Nwafor (Orumber South) said the 2024 budget is a realistic one and that the Governor came for a disruptive change and is clearly seen on the allocations.
Hon. Jude Umenajiego (Onitsha South two) said the essence of government is to provide basic aminities and service to the people. He called for a speedy passage of the bill to enable the Governor deliver his campaigns promises.
Hon. Henry Mbachu (Awka South one) decried the omission of LGAs election in the budget. He stated that going through the budget presented that it’s glaring there are no intentions of conducting LGAs elections next year.
According to Mbachu” I worry so much because this tier of government has suffered so much because of lack of Local Government Election.
“Local Government as the 3rd tier of government is the bedrock of governance. Leadership and political tutelage is heavily mounted on this tier of government and should be upheld thus.
“If this can be wishfully considered I’ll be glad. For now, the budget can go for 2nd reading,” he stated.
Chief Whip Hon. Jude Ngobi (Ihiala one) said the increase in capital project is commendable.
ANN recalls that Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Tuesday November 21, presented the draft budget at plenary.
Anambra assembly speaker Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze refered the bill to the house committee on Finance and appropriation chaired by Hon. Ejike Okechukwu and were giving one month to report back to the assembly
The house was adjourned to Tuesday December 5th 2023.
