Imoke Signs 2014 Appropriation Bill for Cross River

Diana Okon-Effiong, Calabar

In compliance with section 121 sub section one of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River state has given assent to the 2014 appropriation bill after legislative deliberations and approval.

Imoke had on November 4, 2013 sought the approval of the State House of Assembly to spend N176, 310, 968,801 but after its deliberations, the house put the Bill into Law on December 31, 2013 with minor amendments.

The amendments indicate increase in capital receipts with corresponding increase in capital expenditure of N2,526,000,000 which puts the total inflows, including borrowing and opening balance at N 180, 145, 763, 224.46.

Imoke explained that the signing of the appropriation bill into law was a reflection of the administration’s vision and commitment to the development of the state and its people, adding that it is critical for the 2014 budget to be fully implemented for the government to realize its vision and growth.

According to him, “To understand the budget, we must understand the growing needs of the people with available resources and creative environmental initiatives”.

He described it as the largest ever to be presented by his administration and the last to be fully implemented, which is focused on key areas of growth with judicious implementation of resources and creative development initiatives with attendant impact on the citizenry.

The governor, who revealed that targets for previous years have not been achieved, emphasized the need to understand the relationship between revenue and realisation of collective dreams, saying that the 2014 fiscal instrument has created a platform for Cross Riverians to enjoy the value of service.

The governor enjoined ministries, department and agencies (MDAs) to ensure the implementation of the budget as the state strives to remain committed to setting and sustaining a model of good governance in the country.

Imoke appreciated the speaker and members of the state house of assembly for their inputs and its ability to put in place a meaningful legislature for the development of the state, adding that the executive will continue to work with them and bring meaningful development to the people.

He assured that the budget will be implemented to the letter which calls for a lot of commitments.

Dr. Peter Oti, Special Adviser Budget, Monitoring and Evaluation while presenting the breakdown, said the bill which was originally N176,310,968,801 out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund to pay personnel emolument ofN24,290,442,317.47, discharge Overhead obligation of N14,509,323,820.66, pay consolidated revenue fund charges of N13,963,257,983.95He said: “Of utmost interest to Cross Riverians is the request for approval of the sum of N124,347,944,679 for development expenditure.

Oti also explained that the Recurrent Expenditure is N52,420,768,545.47 while the Capital Expenditure isN127,724,994,678.99, giving a 70:30 ratio in favor of Capital Expenditure.