By Musa Yaro, Calabar
Cross River state governor, Prof Ben Ayade on Friday, signed the 2023 appropriation bill of N330.235 billion into law.
Tagged “Quantum Infinitum”, the ascent to the budget was witnessed by the Deputy Governor, Prof Ivara Esu; the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Eteng William Jones, and other top government functionaries.
“For the peace and love of Cross River state, the harmony that exists between the House and the Executive and as a mark of respect for the power of appropriation that lies with the house, I hereby sign the 2023 appropriation bill into law a budget otherwise christened “Quantum Infinitum”, for the sum of N330.235 billion.
“This budget is now law in Cross River state. Congratulations to the people of Cross River state,” Ayade said.
He explained that the budget which is his last as the governor will enable his government to undertake some of the people-centered social welfare policies within his remaining months in office, including the conditional cash transfer.
Earlier, the Speaker expressed gratitude to his colleagues for working assiduously to see that work on the budget was completed in record time.
He commended the governor for the harmonious working relationship that exists between the Executive and the legislature.
While presenting the budget to the House in October, Ayade had stressed that “N130 billion (31 per cent) of the budget will be for recurrent expenditure, while capital expenditure will take N200 billion (69 per cent).
“The 31 per cent is for payment of salaries, gratuities, pensions and everything that will address issues of extreme poverty and criminality; the budget will help my people survive during this difficult transition,” the governor had said.
