The Imo House of Assembly has passed the state’s N592 billion appropriation bill for the 2024 fiscal year.

The bill passed its second and third reading at a plenary session on Thursday.

The budget tagged ‘Budget of Renewed Economic Growth’ allocated 101.99 billion, representing 17 per cent, for recurrent expenditure and N491.200 billion, representing 83 per cent, for capital expenditure.

Speaking on the bill, the majority leader, Kanayo Onyemaechi (APC-Owerri West), said that it would ensure that developmental projects were carried out for the good of Imo.

Mr Onyemaechi also said the governor had been prudent in spending the 2023 budget, especially in reconstructing and rehabilitating roads in Imo. He appealed to the lawmakers to expedite action on the bill to ensure it was speedily passed.

Supporting the bill, the member representing Nkwerre constituency, Chisom Ojukwu (APC), said it represented the good intentions of the Imo governor.

Mr Ojukwu, who also chairs the standing committee on budget and appropriation, commended the governor for ensuring that resources were not misused.

Also speaking in favour of the bill, the house committee chairman on works, Chigozie Nwaneri (APC-Oru East), said the funds budgeted for the works ministry would translate to the completion of capital projects in every council area.

Also, the member representing the Mbaitoli constituency, Innocent Ikpamezie (APC), said there was a need for members to ensure the budget provisions were adhered to by performing their oversight functions.

The bill was then considered at the committee of the whole, following the relaxation of Order 13, Rule 88C, to enable it to go through the Third Reading.

Following the third reading and votes in favour of the bill, the speaker, Chike Olemgbe (APC- Ihitte Uboma), ruled in favour of its passage.

The member representing the Aboh Mbaise constituency, Ugochukwu Amuchie (PDP), was sworn in during the plenary session.

Mr Amuchie, adjudged the rightful winner of the state parliamentary election of February 25 by an appellate court, took over from Eddy Obinna of APC.

The parliament adjourned sitting until January 11, 2024. 

(NAN)