Attah Ede Makurdi
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State, on Thursday, signed the N179.5 2023 appropriation bill into law as passed by the State House of Assembly.
The appropriation bill puts recurrent expenditure at N106 billion while the capital expenditure stands at N73.5 billion.
The governor while signing the bill at the new banquet hall of People’s House, Makurdi, commended members of the State Assembly for their support and speedy passage of the budget.
He maintained for the members to painstakingly approve and present it to the executive for assent clarely show that they have interest of the people of Benue State at heart.
He stressed that this is the last budget of his administration.
“We appreciate the 9th Assembly for the synergy and understanding which aided our achievements and victories.
“I thank members of the House for all the numerous bills and laws they have signed which have become powerful instruments for the institutions of law and order in the state particularly, the Open Grazing Prohibition Law, 2017.
“We are looking forward to a happy Christmas celebration and a prosperous New Year. Iam optimistic that next year will be better.
“Though 2023 is pregnant and loaded, we hope that God will see us through all the challenges we are facing.
“A lot of us are expecting a turn around, rebranding and refocusing. We as human have tried but we hope that God himself will rescue us and give us peace, hope and all that will make the coming year enjoyable”, Ortom said.
Speaking on the forthcoming elections, Governors Ortom again urged Benue people to vote individuals that can be trusted and not according to parties.
“Come 2023, let us work hard and vote according to the election and not according to the party. We must know those people who have prospects to help us and the country. Let us be truthful when we sit to consider this and may God direct us,” Ortom added .
Earlier, Deputy Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly, Mr Chris Adaji, while presenting the bill to the Governor, assured that the 9th assembly is committed to making laws for effective governance of the state and betterment of its people.
While pledging the support of the assembly to enable the governor to deliver dividends to the people even as he is completing his tenure, Mr. Adaji enjoined Benue people to vote all PDP candidates in the 2023 general elections.
