Somto Bisina
In an unforeseen decision, Ifeanyi Okowa, the out-going Governor of Delta State and former running mate of Atiku Abubakar in the recently concluded February 2023 general elections, has submitted a supplementary appropriation bill of a staggering N71 billion to the state House of Assembly for legislative approval.
This move has stirred significant controversy, particularly as Okowa’s administration is set to conclude on May 29th, 2023, in just a few days’ time.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe supplementary appropriation bill, presented by Deputy Speaker Ochor Ochor during the plenary session, includes an allocation of N5.6 billion for recurrent expenditure and an astonishing N65.5 billion for capital expenditure in the year 2023.
Governor Okowa, in a letter accompanying the bill, highlighted actual and projected increases in fiscal receipts as the rationale behind the proposed supplementary budget. He argued that the bill is crucial for appropriating funds to support ongoing projects and to finance essential government plans and activities.
Critics have raised numerous concerns regarding the timing and necessity of such a substantial appropriation bill, given that Okowa’s term is nearing its end. They question the motive behind introducing a bill of this magnitude so close to the end of his administration.
With only a few days remaining in his tenure, the urgency expressed by Governor Okowa in seeking immediate approval for the bill has sparked further controversy. Critics argue that the bill should undergo thorough evaluation and robust deliberation to ensure that the allocation of funds aligns with the best interests of the state and its citizens.
