2020 Appropriation Bill: Scales Second Reading At Anambra State Assembly

A bill for a law to provide for the sum of one hundred and thirty-seven point one billion naira for the services of Anambra State Government has scaled second reading at Anambra State House of Assembly. The 2020 appropriation Bill scaled second reading during yesterday’s plenary in Awka.

The member representing Awka South 1 constituency and Majority leader Nnamdi G Okafor moved the motion for the bill to be read for the second time. While leading debate on the bill, Okafor applauded Governor Willie Obiano for placing emphasis on health which is primary to the well being of the people and stressed the need for more increment in the hundred million naira earmarked for Awka Capital Development Authority.

On his part, the Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Member representing Anambra East constituency Obinna Emeneka, described the appropriation bill as one that will place Anambra State on the path of economic prosperity if members of the House deploy their constitutional role, assuring that his Committee will be thorough in the budget discussion with government organs in order to achieve a realistic budget.

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The member representing Oyi Constituency, Mr. Charles Obimma explained that to achieve two point five billion naira from internally generated revenue as projected in the appropriation bill, all the loop holes through which government generate income must be tightened and there must be an investment in the real sectors of the economy that propel growth.

In his reaction, the member representing Njikoka 2 Constituency, Pete Ibida commended Obiano for timely presentation of the appropriation bill, adding that if it is fully implemented, Anambra will record budget surplus, just as his Aguata One Counterpart, Dr. Carter Umeh expressed confidence that the figure allocated to Works will fix the failed roads in the state.

Others who made input on the appropriation were the Deputy Speaker, Dr Paschal Agbodike, the Chief Whip, Chief Lawrence Ezeudu, the member representing Idemmili South Mr. Chuka Ezenwne and his Orumba north counterpart, Mr. Emeka Aforka while the Speaker, Honourable Uche Okafor expressed confidence that the appropriation bill will meet the yearnings and aspirations of Ndi Anambra and read out the bill for second time while the lawmakers supported it through a voice vote.

In supporting motion for adjournment, the member representing Ogbaru One Constituency, Mr. Noble Igwe, informed the House that an accident which occurred at Obodoukwu road in his constituency yesterday claimed lives as a result of bad condition of the road and appealed to the Executive Arm of Government to fix the road to avoid more casualties.