Wike signs Rivers State N470b 2017 budget into law
The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has given his assent to the state N470billion 2017 Appropriation Law passed by the Rivers State House of Assembly barely two weeks ago, with a pledge to accelerate the development of the State this fiscal year.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Governor Wike commended the Rivers State House of Assembly for always placing the interest of the people above other considerations.
He said: “You passed the budget on time so that the State Government will continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to the good people of Rivers State. I sincerely thank the state lawmakers for supporting the Executive arm to provide basic infrastructure to the people of the state.”
He noted that his administration would ensure the diligent implementation of the 2017 budget in line with the tenets of the New Rivers Vision, adding that funds meant for other arms of government would be released as scheduled.
“The Executive Arm of government will continue to cooperate with other arms of the state government to develop the state,” he said as he assured the state lawmakers that his administration would remain focused , despite the undemocratic actions against the Rivers people.
In his response during the ceremony, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani, lauded Governor Wike for providing the right leadership for the state.
He said that the 2017 budget, christened “the Golden Jubilee budget for accelerated development” would intensify the transformation of the state,” adding: “This government means well for the people of Rivers State. We will continue to give the governor the required support for the development of the State “.
The signing of the budget into law was witnessed by the State Deputy Governor, Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo, the Former Acting National Chairman of PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, Rivers PDP Chairman, Chief Felix Obuah, the state Lawmakers, and commissioners.
A breakdown of the 2017 budget indicates that the total projected capital expenditure is N329 billion (three hundred and twenty-nine billion naira) representing 70percent, while N141, 000,000,000.00 (one hundred and forty-one billion naira) is proposed for recurrent expenditure.
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike (r) exchanging pleasantries with the member representing Akuku-Toru State Constituency 2 (APC), Mr Benibo Anabrabra after giving assent to the 2017 budget at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Friday.
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike ( 2nd L) giving his assent to the 2017 Budget at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Friday. With him is Deputy Governor Ipalibo Harry Banigo.
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike ( 2nd L) giving his assent to the 2017 Budget at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Friday. With him are: Finance Commissioner, Dr Fred Kpakol (l), Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt Hon Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani (2nd R) and Commissioner of Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Isaac Kamalu.
