Briggs Dispels Rumours On Rivers Budgets

The Chairman, Rivers State Secondary Schools Board, Chief David Briggs has dispelled rumours in some quarters that the state’s 2016 and 2017 budgets were not accessible to the public.
Briggs also joined in condemning opposition politicians and naive non-governmental and civil society organisations for criticising the Governor Nyesom Wike-led administration’s monumental achievements in just two years in office.
The Kalabari-born politician, who spoke with newsmen immediately after his appearance before the Rivers State House of Assembly Joint Committee on Finance and Public Accounts in Port Harcourt, last Monday, described the rumour as a fallacy concocted by the opposition.
Briggs noted that all budgets from 2015 to 2017 were available, insisting that he had seen them.
He expressed satisfaction with what he called positive progression of the funds released to the board, while highlighting part of its achievements to include the renovation of Nyemoni Grammar School in Abonnema and the completion of two hostel buildings at the Birabi Memorial Grammar School, Bori
Earlier, Chairman, Committee on Finance, Hon Edison Ehie had explained that the exercise was fruitful.
According to him, the parastatals have confirmed not only receipt of the budget but also allocation till date.
He thanked the governor for implementing policies and programmes in line with the appropriation laws, noting that organisations whose budgets have grey areas would still be called upon for explanation.
Also speaking, Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts absolved the management of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education of neglect in the conduct of the affairs of the institution, noting that the management had obtained permission to appear on Wednesday.
The Tide reports that the Primary Healthcare Management Board also appeared before the committee.

Susan Serekara-Nwikhana