LAWMAKERS, OTHER STAKEHOLDERS REACT TO 2023 ANAMBRA APPROPRIATION BILL

REPORTER: UCHE NDEKE

Reactions have trailed the 2023 draft budget that Governor Chukwuma Soludo presented to the Anambra State House of Assembly.

According to the respondents, the budget estimate if properly implemented, will no doubt improve the well-being of the people and place the state in a sound economic footing.

The Content of the “budget of acceleration” as presented by the Governor, with highest allocation going to infrastructural development, was said to be a right step as adjudged by both the law makers and other residents of the state.

The Chairman House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, who doubles as member representing Anambra East Constituency, Mr. Obinna Emeneka, stated that the budget was detailed and captured all the sectors in a futuristic and systematic manner.

Mr. Emeneka, therefore, called on all Ministries , Agencies and Departments to to be prepared for budget bilateral discussion, which is aimed at ensuring that the monies earmarked for them were properly defended and used for the overall interest of the people.

The Deputy Majority Leader of the House and member representing Orumba North constituency, Mr. Emeka Aforka, and the Deputy Speaker of the House, Dr. Paschal Agbodike, noted that the budget was a realistic document but observed that it could only be achieved when the people paid their taxes and levies to enable government deliver on its promises.

The Member representing Ekwusigo Constituency, and Minority leader, Mr. Onyebuchi Offor, commended the Soludo led administration for awarding road contracts in the area even as he pleaded that more road infrastructure be captured in his constituency.

A community leader, Comrade Obi Ochije while describing the draft estimate as a budget of hope and a clear testimony to the fact government was all out to transform the state, appealed that the Governor to revisit the tax and levies on the poor masses, especially shuttle and bus drivers.

For a civil Society activist, Prince Chris Azor, the budget estimate seemed to be the highest in the state which showed the ambition to do much as seen in the capital expenditure, which is above 60% of the total budget.

Providing more insight into the 2023 budget estimate, the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Chiamaka Nnake, noted that the 2023 fiscal estimate had 100% increase across the social sectors, which included health, education and agriculture.

The 2023 budget estimate bill after generating reactions from some law makers, however, passed through second reading before the Speaker, Mr. Uche Okafor, referred it to the Committee on Finance and Appropriation to come up with a report that would be considered by all before passage.

The House adjourned sitting until November 29, 2022.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU