Delta Govt Set To Forward 2018 Budget To State Assembly, Amid Controversy Trailing ‘2017 Blank Budget Allegation’

The Governor Ifeanyi Okowa-led government of Delta state has concluded plans to forward the State Appropriation Bill for 2018 fiscal year to the Delta state House of Assembly.

This is coming amidst controversy trailing the 2017 ‘blank budget’ allegations leveled against the Governor by former Deputy National Chairman of defunct Ali Modu Sheriff-led factional PDP, Dr Cairo Ojougboh, who had challenged the state government to upload the 2017 budget in any online media if there is any for Deltans to scrutinize

BigPen Online reports that the Secretary to Delta State Government (SSG), Mr. Festus Ovie Agas who gave the hint that the 2018 budget would be presented to the Delta State House of Assembly before the end of the October, however dismissed the claims by Ojougboh that Governor Okowa was running the state with a ‘blank budget’.

Agas said that finishing touches were being accorded the 2018 appropriation bill to better represent the yearnings of Deltans and the game changing plans of the state government.

In a chat with newsmen shortly after playing host to State House of Assembly Committee on Establishment, Privileges and Ethics led by its Chairman, Hon. Dennis Omovie, the SSG debunked statement credited to Ojougboh which lambasted Governor Okowa of appropriating at will the ‘2017 budget’ which according to him was not in any physical document.

Agas said that the 2017 budget of the state government was duly presented to the state parliament, accorded clause -by- clause consideration, passed and officially signed into law by the state Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.

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He said that it was quite ridiculous that the state government could be accused of running without budget when it is under the supervision of a seasoned lawmaker, turned governor in the person of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.

“I am aware a budget was presented, passed and signed into law. The government has executed every project in accordance with the provision of the 2017 budget. The state government under the leadership of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa is very proactive”, Agas added.

The SSG however, challenged interested parties who he described as traducers to ensure thorough investigations before embarking on mudslinging, adding that they were chiefly underinformed.

He commended the committee for their visit and assured them of all necessary cooperation towards the development of the state.

Earlier, the Chairman, Establishments, Privileges and Ethics, Hon. Dennis Omovie accompanied by other members of the Committees, including, Hon. Orezi Esievo and Hon. Alphonsus Ojo said that the visit was to familiarise with the secretariat and look at possible ways of assisting them achieve their mandate.

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