Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers on Thursday signed the state’s N800 billion 2024 budget into law, barely 24 hours after it was presented to a four-man state House of Assembly for approval.

Speaking at the Government House, Port Harcourt, Mr Fubara said the budget would provide the framework for his administration to undertake notable road projects connecting communities across the state.

“This budget shows that we have a plan for our dear state. One of the reasons why our budget is in the volume of N800 billion is that we intend, not just by desiring, to ensure that one key request of our dear state is met,” said the governor.

Mr Fubara said his administration would, by next year, begin the actual and main Trans-Kalabari road project phase 2.

“We have also in our budget provided to take care of the Elele-Omoku Road project that cuts through Ikwerre, Emohua and Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state,” he said.

The governor assured that no effort would be spared in executing all the projects in the 2024 budget.

He said that the budget would positively impact the lives of the people of the state.

“We have keyed into the Renewed Hope Agenda of our dear President Bola Tinubu to continue to assure our people of hope, so the best of us will be seen by everyone.

“We will continue to protect the interest of our people, do the best for everyone, not minding your position or class. Our government is a responsive and inclusive government. Our eyes and ears are open to the needs of our people. We will not disappoint you,” Mr Fubara said.

While presenting the budget for the ascent, Adolphus Orubienimigha, the four-man State House of Assembly leader, said the lawmakers gave due diligence before passing the budget.

Also, the factional speaker of the House, Edison Ehie, said the budget aligned with the government’s developmental goals.

On Wednesday, Mr Fubara presented the N800 billion 2024 budget to a four-man State House of Assembly at the Government House, Port Harcourt, for approval.

The lawmakers were believed to have passed the budget in less than 24 hours.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) had faulted Mr Fubara’s budget presentation to the four-man state House of Assembly.

Tony Okocha, the state APC caretaker committee chairman, said in a statement in Port Harcourt that the action was unconstitutional.

Mr Okocha said section 120(2) of the constitution stated that no money should be spent except if the state House of Assembly appropriated it.

‘’The presentation of a bill to four suspended members of the House of Assembly does not fulfil the requirements of the constitution for all the reasons stated,’’ he said.

(NAN)