21st December, 2016
The Plateau House of Assembly has promised to ensure quick passage of the 2017 Appropriation Bill of N133 billion submitted to it by Gov. Simon Lalong for approval.
The Speaker of the assembly, Mr. Peter Azi, made the pledge in Jos on Wednesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
NAN reports that the Lalong on Tuesday presented budget estimates of over N133 billion to the assembly for consideration.
The budget, tagged “Budget of Rescue and Confidence Building”, appropriated over N68.5 billion for recurrent expenditure, representing 51.6 per cent, while capital expenditure would gulp N64.3 billion, which represents 48.4 percent.
According to the speaker, the ongoing hardship occasioned by the current recession necessitated the need for the lawmakers to expedite action in passing the bill, to enable the government to meet the yearnings and aspiration of the people.
“We are all witnesses to the hardship occasioned by the recession in the national economy as well as the fall in the value of naira.
“It is our sincere hope that 2017 budget will see an end to the recession for the betterment of our people.
“I, therefore, wish to assure the people of Plateau that the 8th Assembly will do everything within its powers to give the budget a critical consideration, and as well ensure its speedy passage into law,” he said.
Similarly, the Deputy Speaker of the House, Mr. Yusuf Gagdi, said the budget remained the best in the history of the state, as it was clear in its content.
He gave assurance that the house would ensure its speedy passage, to give Plateau people the needed developmental stride.
“I am not holding a brief for the executive, but for me, this is one of the best budgets so far in the history of this state because it is very clear in content.
“I believe if this budget is passed into law, Plateau people will enjoy the dividends of democracy.
“So, we will do our best to give a speedy consideration to the budget proposals,” he said.
The Deputy Speaker, however, said the estimates would be properly scrutinized by the lawmakers before its passage.