Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSONET) a platform for Citizens and stakeholders, has congratulated Governor Charles Soludo on signing of the State’s revised budget, 2022.
The group however, implores him to commence a speedy process of budget implemention to close the gap of infrastructural development of the State.
Prince Chris Azor, the Chairman of the group, who witnessed the event at the Governor’s Lodge on Thursday, made the statement in a chat with newsmen.
According to the Development Expert and human rights advocate, there is already a yawning gap around infrastructural development in the State.
“The roads need urgent attention, coupled with security challenges, the general environment and social order. The Citizens have high expectations on Mr Governor as the SOLUTION. He should therefore, hit the sky flying”, he said.
Comrade Azor who is also a member of the Board, Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA) seized the opportunity to implore residents of Anambra to support the State Government in it’s drive to achieve a clean, green and livable Mega City.
He frowned at the indiscriminate littering of wastes and blockage of sewage lines with illegal structures.
He promised that the Waste Management Authority will ensure effective and efficient waste management to restore the State to it’s attractive environment and social order.
Recall that Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, on Thursday 21st July, assented to the 2022 revised appropriation budget of N170 billion naira. The budget tagged “Building Off From The Blocks” was assented to at the Government House, Awka in the presence of major stakeholders.
In a release by the Chief Press Secretary to Mr Governor, Christian Aburime, “Performing the function, the Governor commended members of the House of Assembly for being diligent, responsible and responsive to their job as lawmakers and representatives of the people of Anambra State.
He canvassed for stronger synergy between the legislative and other arms of government at all levels.
Governor Soludo reiterated that the patriotic and responsive manner the budget was passed by the State House of Assembly was not only commendable but signalled the birth of a new partnership for a greater Anambra.
The Governor affirmed that there was no underhand dealings in signing the budget rather the process was conducted with integrity, patriotism and responsiveness
Governor Soludo recounted that in his campaign manifesto, N250 billion naira was estimated as the amount required to build critical infrastructure towards the realization of the livable and prosperous homeland in the State that every Ndi Anambra yearns for.
He lamented, however, that the resources at Government disposal are abysmally lean as well as the earnings from the oil sector which has become so low.
Consequently, Governor Soludo said the government was left with no options other than to ratchet up multiple strategies including taking a look at the trajectory of expenditure, introducing prudence in spending, among others.
He also stated as part of the measures to improve government finances, efforts were also being made to digitize the Internally Generated Revenue of the state to eliminate leakages
He further explained that in the interim, his administration has decided to borrow N100 billion naira, as Ndi Anambra cannot wait, emphasizing that not the whole amount will be spent this year.
He stated categorically that the borrowed money would be ring-fenced and used for critical infrastructural development particularly in building roads, bridges etc. He again reiterated that there would be absolute prudence in making sure Ndi Anambra gets value for the money borrowed adding that every kobo will be judiciously used to create wealth that would benefit the people of the State.
The Governor therefore, thanked the Speaker and the House members for understanding the exigencies to approve the plan to borrow, and “promised Ndi Anambra the money will be spent on critical infrastructure, particularly on roads, bridges, flyover, among other strategic places,”
While assuring of implementing the budget within the cash flow, the Governor pointed out that his administration is currently cleaning up the State wage bill and the payroll system.
Governor Soludo said, “I thank Ndi Anambra for their support and sacrifices through payment of their fair share of taxes and others. For people who have violated public order such as indiscriminate building of illegal structures, we say enough is enough. These are necessary, painful steps that we must take to rescue our state”.
The Commissioner for Budget, Ms. Chiamaka Nnake and Special Adviser to the Governor on House of Assembly Matters, Chief Anayo Nnebe appreciated the members for doing a good job on the budget.
Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyeka Ibezim, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uche Okafor, Hon Nnamdi Okafor, House Majority Leader, members of the Anambra State Executive Council including Secretary to the State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Head of Service, Barrister Theodora Igwegbe, President General of Anambra State Association of Town Union, Barrister Titus Akpudo, among others were present at the ceremony.
