From Scholastica Onyeka, Makurdi
Benue state Governors, Samuel Ortom has signed the N179.5 2023 appropriation bill into law.
The appropriation bill puts recurrent expenditure at N106 billion and N73.5 billion for capital expenditure.
Ortom while signing the bill at the new banquet hall in Government House, Makurdi, on Thursday, appreciated the Assembly members for their support and speedy work done on the budget and for painstakingly approving and presenting it to the executive.
While he noted that appropriation bill is a law which has been passed by the Assembly, Ortom said it was the last his administration will be signing.
“We appreciate the 9th Assembly for the synergy and understanding which aided our achievements and victories.”
He thanked them for all the numerous bills and laws which he said became powerful instruments for the institutions of law and order in the state particularly, the Open Grazing Prohibition Law, 2017.
The Governor noted that he is looking forward to a happy Christmas celebration and a prosperous New Year and expressed optimism that next year will be better.
He said “Though 2023 is pregnant and loaded, we hope that God will see us through all the challenges we are facing.
“A lot of us are expecting a turn around, rebranding and refocusing. We as human have tried but we hope that God himself will rescue us and give us peace, hope and all that will make the coming year enjoyable.”
Speaking on the forthcoming elections, Governors Ortom again urged Benue people to vote individuals that can be trusted and not according to parties.
He said, “Come 2023, let us work hard and vote according to the election and not according to the party.
“We must know those people who have prospects to help us and the country. Let us be truthful when we sit to consider this and may God direct us,” he prayed.
Earlier, Deputy Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly, Mr Chris Adaji, while presenting the bill to the Governor, reiterated the commitment of the assembly to make laws for the good governance of the state and betterment of it’s people.
He further pledged the support of the assembly to enable the governor deliver dividends to the people even as he is completing his tenure.