Assembly Okays 2018 Budget With N10bn Increase BY ITEVEH EKPOKPOBE

THE Delta State House of Assembly yesterday passed the 2018 Appropriation Bill pegged at a total sum of N308, 888, 558, 898 billion, exactly 42 days after it received the financial document.

The N308 billion budget recorded an increase of N10 billion against the initial proposal of N298 billion presented by the State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.

The budget, passed at exactly 4.36pm at a plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, was sequel to a report presented to the House by the Vice Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi.

Nwaobi said that the committee received and collated inputs, observations and recommendations from the various sub-committees and considered them one after the other, which aided the committee in arriving at strategic decisions as proposed estimates were reduced in certain areas to effect increase in other critical areas of specific needs.

According to him, the budget, which was presented to the House on Thursday, October 19, 2017, passed second reading on October 24, 2017 and was committed to the House’s sub-committees and the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation.

The lawmaker disclosed that the committee carried out a comprehensive and analytic consideration of the bill and observed that it was presented in tandem with contemporary global economic framework, adding that the appropriation bill was tied to well refined and specific projects.

Following the presentation, the Majority Leader, Hon. Tim Owhefere, moved that the House accept the report for further consideration and was seconded by Hon. Emeka Elekeokwuri.
Owhefere, thereafter, moved that the House resolve itself into a committee of supply to consider the 2018 appropriation bill which was seconded by Hon. Uviejitobor Okagbare.
The mace was lowered by the Sergeant-at-Arms, while the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, proceeded to man the committee as Chairman.

The bill was accorded a sections and annexures critical consideration with amendments effected here and there, after which the Majority Leader, Hon. Tim Owhefere, moved that the Chairman resumes his seat as Speaker to continue plenary and was seconded by Hon. Okagbare Uviejitobor.

The Majority Leader moved that the 2018 Appropriation Bill be read the third time and was seconded by Hon. Emeka Elekeokwuri.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori commended the members for their efforts and support, adding that they would continue to be on one page to better grow the state.