Taraba Assembly fumes over non-implementation of approved budgets by executives
Jethro Yerga, Jalingo
The Taraba State House of Assembly has raised alarm over what it described as lapses and non-implementation of the yearly budgets being approved for most Ministries, Departments and Agencies in Taraba State
The House had on Thursday’s plenary, noted with dismay, the continuos repetition of projects over and over by most Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the state.
The house consequently, charged the governor of the State, Dr Agbu Kefas to set up machinery where funds meant for ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs), would be released to them only on quarterly basis to enable them implement the projects under them in 2025
The House of Assembly, had also during the plenary, decried high rate of under employment in the state and urged the governor to embark on massive employment and training of staff to reduce youth restiveness and unwholesome activities in the state
It also among other things, resolved that the revenue generating outlets in the state be over hauled, to ensure that all leakages such as multiple receipts used by Internally Generated Revenue Officers are blocked, so that all revenues collected are paid into single or appropriate account of Government for proper accountability
Also at the Thursday plenary, the House deliberated and passed the 2025 budget estimate earlier presented by the Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas.
The 2025 budget estimate as passed by the house, indicates an increase of N1.5 Billion naira from the N429.8b earlier laid before the House by the governor of the state, Dr Agbu Kefas
Briefing newsmen shortly after the plenary, Hon Nelson Len, Chairman of the House Committee on Information and member representing Nguroje Constituency, said the increase became necessary owing to the new Ministry of Tertiary Education which was created after the budget was presented to the house.
Hon. Nelson explained that the creation of the new ministry further opened avenues of revenue generation for the state, as well as expected services as being captured in the budget.
He expressed governor Agbu’s determination to work assiduously towards ensuring adequate servicing of the budget to enable all the sectors perform above 70 percent in 2025 and urged the people of the state to trust in the government, adding that “the state would surely witnessed a boost in all facets, as far as development is concerned”.
Recall that Governor Agbu Kefas earlier presented Four hundred and twenty nine billion, eight hundred and ninety eight million, nine hundred and sixty eight thousand, four hundred and two naira, thirty one kobo (N429, 898, 968, 402:31) only to the house, but the house has mow settled on four hundred and thirty one billion, three hundred and ninety eight million, nine hundred and sixty eight thousand, four hundred and two naira, thirty one kobo (431,398,968,402:31) only for onward assent by the governor