AKHA Passes 2009 Supplementary Bill

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has passed a supplementary appropriation bill of N75.6bn into law.

The breakdown shows that N73.6billion is for capital expenditure while N2billion  is for recurrent services.

The bill was read three times and passed into law after a motion moved by Otuekong Nsikak Ekong and seconded by Obong Asuquo Darby Udo. It was unanimously endorsed by the members.

The increase of the initial budget followed the adoption of the report of the Elder Samuel Ikon-led Committee on Appropriation and Finance.

Ikon explained that the bill became necessary to enable government complete ongoing projects including roads, airports, rural electrification, housing, hospitals, Ibom power and Ibom industrial city.

Besides, he said the cash would provide facilities at the Replacement Technical College, Ukana Ikot Utuen, Police Secondary School, Ikot Ide, and sundry infrastructure at the proposed Naval base, Ikot Abasi.

The speaker, Obong Ignatius Edet, who preside over the session, commended members “for scrutinising the bill,” even as he hoped the additional cash would accelerate the infrastructural development of the State.

Governor Godswill Akpabio, last week, sent to the House a supplementary appropriation bill seeking approval of N2billion for recurrent services and N73.6billion for capital expenditures.