Elechi signs 2014 Appropriation Bill of N99b into law

Governor Martin Elechi of Ebonyi State on Monday signed into law the state’s 2014 Appropriation Bill of N99.8 billion.
The bill was presented to the House of Assembly in Abakaliki, the state capital, on December 23, 2013 and passed on January 16, 2014.
Elechi said that the budget, tagged: “Budget of Stabilisation,” would enable the state to complete all ongoing projects like the Ochu Udo City, the Ofuruekpe Mega Water Scheme, among others.
He said that government would be strict in the implementation of the appropriation laws and ensured that the people paid their taxes as and when due.
He said: “Payment of tax is not a new thing in this part of the world. It is a habit, an exercise our people are used to.
“Civic duty is the responsibility of tax payment and should never be forgotten or treated with levity. It is what gives us sense of responsibility in governance.
“Other world economy function almost hundred per cent on tax payment.
“Let me observe that it is easier to prepare a budget and pass it into law than to find the money.”
Elechi called for prudent management of available resources, adding that government would cut down on certain meetings that were not necessary to the state.
He added: “We would be very economical in attending meetings that are not so important.
“Our economy is very dry, if we must admit the reality.
“That is why we are asking for assistance for soft terms from America and Africa Development Bank.
“Such assistance would enable us scale through and give our people the much needed infrastructural network that would facilitate the economic take off of the state.
“We are trying to average up in all sectors of the economy and no sector would be neglected to bring the economy into a buoyant state.”
He also commended the House of Assembly for the quick passage of the budget in spite of challenges they encountered during the period.
The Speaker, Hon. Chukwuma Nwazunka, said that the House of Assembly adopted the International Public Sector Accounting Standard in passing the budget.
According to Nwazunka, the budget is realisable in spite of 4.5 per cent reduction in the size from that of 2013.
He urged the government to remain focus and not to allow distraction in its efforts to transform the state.
The speaker also assured the government of support to excel in the state’s development programme.