By Kamsi Anayo
Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo State on Tuesday presented a budget of N447.4 billion for 2023 fiscal year to the Imo State House of Assembly for approval.
The budget tagged, “Budget of Wealth Expansion,” was made up of N150.4 billion recurrent expenditure, representing 22 per cent and N373.5 billion capital expenditure, representing 78 per cent.
Uzodinma said the objective of the budget was to satisfy the desires of the people by delivering sustainable dividends of democracy to the Imo people and expanding wealth for them.
The budget, he added, would put the well-being of the people at the centre of governance through massive reconstruction of dilapidated infrastructures in urban and rural areas.
He assured the State Assembly of his “undying support and commitment to the well-being of all Imo people” adding that there would be no room for misappropriation of funds in his government.
The governor commended the House for its solidarity with his administration and pledged to “vigorously pursue the implementation of policies, programmes and projects captured in the budget,” when approved.
The Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Emeka Nduka, said that the budget presentation provided an opportunity for a “retrospective look at past years with a view to improving on the future.”
He assured that the budget would be passed in good time to enable the governor “continue his good works in 2023”.
Mr Nduka expressed confidence that the budget would address the aspirations of the people by providing infrastructure across the state.
He further thanked the governor for the reconstruction of a “world-class, digitalised” House of Assembly complex, adding that it was obvious that the 2022 appropriation bill was judiciously dispensed.
He adjourned the plenary to Dec. 21 for consideration and second reading of the proposed budget.
