The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has signed the 2024 appropriation bill of N800 billion naira into law, one day after presenting it before the state House of Assembly for deliberation and approval.
Fubara signed the bill at Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday, his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Boniface Onyedi confirmed in a statement.
The Rivers governor presented the 2024 budget proposal to five members of the Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday, amid a political crisis that has divided the 32-member assembly into two factional lines.
Speaking during the signing on Thursday, Fubara explained that with the budget providing the framework for spending in 2024, his administration would undertake notable critical road projects that would connect more communities across several local government areas to meet age-long yearnings of Rivers people.
“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, flagging 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.
He assured that no effort would be spared in implementing to the full the “planned out quality” projects and services itemised in the 2024 appropriation bill.
Fubara emphasised that the budget would be driven to make positive impact on the lives of all residents in the state, promising that they will see and feel the development at their doorsteps.
“I want to assure you that this administration has the best interest of our people. It is an administration that wants everyone 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,” he said.
Fubara commended the legislature for their support to his administration and assured that God that has continued to make way out of the challenges will continue to embolden and strengthen them.
According to the statement, leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Adolphus Orubienimigha presented the budget to Governor Fubara for assent.
Orubienimigha was quoted as saying members gave due diligence in deliberating on each item and gave careful consideration to passing the appropriation bill, while urging the governor to remain resolute in discharging the duties of his office.
“In his speech, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Ehie Edison noted that the budget figures and items as articulated were in line with current realities and demonstrated the resolve of Governor Fubara to providing more infrastructure and strengthening sectors like education, healthcare and the economy so as to deliver optimal services including youth empowerment.
“Rt. Hon. Edison assured that the legislature will continue to stand with Governor Fubara, by providing the required support that will secure success for the administration,” the statement further read.