Delta assembly approves Okowa’s N71bn supplementary budget — 12 days to handover

The Delta state house of assembly has approved a supplementary budget of N71bn presented by Ifeanyi Okowa, the governor, days before the end of his tenure.

Okowa forwarded the supplementary appropriation bill to the assembly on Tuesday, through a letter which was read by Christopher Ochor, deputy speaker.

The bill had the sum of N5.6 billion for recurrent expenditure and N65.5 billion for capital expenditure for the year 2023.

In the letter to the assembly, Okowa said the supplementary budget became necessary to pay for some critical projects and activities of government as well as fund ongoing projects across the state.

“May I wish to note that there has been actual and projected increase in some fiscal receipts,” Okowa had said.

“Consequently, the supplementary budget has become necessary for appropriation to pay for some critical projects and activities of government as well as fund ongoing projects across the state in the year 2023.”

Ferguson Onwo, majority leader, moved a motion for the first reading of the budget which was unanimously adopted.

Consequently, the majority leader moved a motion to suspend relevant sections of the house rules to enable it to take the third reading and pass the bill.

The motion was unanimously adopted by the house.

Thereafter, the bill was passed following a voice vote by the members.

Ochor commended the lawmakers for the passage of the bill, saying it was necessary for the house to expeditiously pass the bill in order to achieve its objective.

“I, therefore, thank you for recognising the importance of this bill and its successful passage,” he said.

“Dear colleagues, we have just performed one of our constitutional responsibilities to Delta people.”