Barely 24 hours after presenting 2024 Appropriation Bill to the Rivers State House of Assembly, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has signed budget into law.
The N800bn budget was signed into law at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Thursday following the passage of the bill by the lawmakers.
Fubara had on Wednesday, December 13, presented the budget to a four-member House of Assembly-led by Speaker Edison Ehie.
The political space in Rivers has been in tumor following the disagreement between Governor Fubara and his predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
He said: “This budget shows that we have a plan for our dear State. One of the reasons why our budget is in the volume of N800bn is that we intend, not just by desiring, to ensure that one key request of our dear State is met.
“God being our helper, we will commence immediately, by next year, flaging off the actual and main Trans-Kalabari road project phase 2.
“We have also, in our budget, provided to take care of the Elele-Omoku road project; road that cuts through Ikwerre, Emohua and Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Areas. We are also taking that project as one of our cardinal achievements of this administration. We are not going back on it.”
The governor said the budget would be driven to make a positive impact on the lives of all residents in Rivers to enable people see and feel development at their door steps.
He added: “I want to assure you that this administration has the best interest of our people. It is an administration that wants every one to have hope. We have keyed into the Renewed Hope Agenda of our dear President Bola Tinubu to continue to assure our people of hope. The best of us will be seen by everyone.
“We will continue to protect the interest of our people, do the best for everyone, not minding your position or class. Our government is a responsive and inclusive government. Our eyes and ears are open to the needs of our people. We will not disappoint you.”
Fubara commended the legislature for its support and assured that God that had continued to make way out of the ongoing would keep emboldening the lawmakers.
In presenting the budget to Fubara, the Leader of the lawmakers, Adolphus Orubienimigha said members gave due diligence in deliberating on each item.
He said the lawmakers gave careful considerer them appropriation bill thoroughly and urged the governor to remain resolute in discharging the duties of his office.
In his speech, Ehie noted that the budget figures and items as articulated were in line with current realities and demonstrated the resolve of Fubara to provide more infrastructuren, strengthen sectors like education, health, and the economy to deliver optimal services including youth empowerment.
Ehie assured that the legislature would continue to stand with Fubara, by providing the required support that would secure success for the administration.
