Kebbi governor, Atiku Bagudu on Monday, signed the 2021 appropriation bill of N141.64 billion into law.
Speaking at the event, the governor commended members of the state House of Assembly for their unparalleled sacrifices by passing the bill into law during the public holidays.
“It is highly commendable that you sacrificed your holidays and performed this important civic duty.
“Indeed, you have put the interest of the state above any other personal considerations.
“I am highly appreciative of this noble gesture of the legislature. I am proud of the commendable conduct of the members,” the governor said.
Bagudu further acknowledged that the members have always demonstrated an unwavering commitment, saying, “the passage of the budget before the end of the year is remarkable.”
He also lauded the efforts of other key stakeholders who worked tirelessly to see to the realization of the 2021 budget and prayed that the budget would be better than the 2020 budget.
“The 2021 budget graciously approved by the Kebbi State House of Assembly of N141,644,270,190 I hope, will be better than the 2020 in performance “.
He regretted that the 2020 fiscal year had been a pretty difficult and intricate one.
This unforseen development, he further noted, was occasioned by the ravaging global Coronavirus pandemic, as well as other unforseen local factors like the devastating flood disasters recorded during the year.
Bagudu expressed happiness that his administration had weathered the storm by delivering the direly needed dividends of democracy to the teeming people of the state, in spite of formidable resource limitations.
Earlier, Speaker of the Assembly, Ismail Kamba explained that the House worked round the clock, to ensure the speedy passage of the budget as promised.
“We were able to fulfill our pledge of passing the budget speedily, without however compromising due diligence.
“We will sustain our cooperation with the executive and judiciary arms of government to take Kebbi state to greater heights.
“I am also appealing to the governor to sustain his commendable efforts of providing credible, transparent and honest leadership for the past five years.”