By Anastasia Agunwa/Chizoba Okeke/Gloria Abugu :
Anambra State legislators have commenced debate on the State’s 2023-2025 Multi Year Budget Framework, Economic and Fiscal Update (EFU), Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) and Budget Policy Statement (BPS) Document on the floor of the State House of Assembly.
The State budget policy document which is geared towards the overall development of the state was forwarded to the House by Gov. Chukwuma Soludo for consideration and approval.
The multi year expenditure framework was referred to the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation to work on and referred back to the House during the next plenary.
Speaking on the expenditure framework, the Deputy Majority Leader, Mr. Emeka Aforka explained that the document is an insight into the revenue and expenditure plans of Anambra State Government for the next three years and pre-requisite for the presentation of the 2023 budget estimate to the House.
In his part, the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Internally Generated Revenue, Mr. Nonso Smart Okafor stressed the need for the State Executive Council to always harness views to safeguard the state from depending on national projections.
Okafor, who represents Nnewi North Constituency added that it would enable the inefficiencies of those at the helm of monetary affairs at the national level not jeopardize the growth and development of Anambra State.
Also, the deputy Speaker, Dr. Paschal Agbodike, the Chief Whip, Dr. Pete Ibida and Mr. Ejike Okechukwu representing Anaocha 11 Constituency noted that the 2023-2025 Medium Term Expenditure Framework of the state showed a realistic estimates and optimistic statement, indicating the clear-cut vision of Governor Soludo for the State.
According to the lawmakers, this is a good confirmation that this government is determined to uplift Anambra State.
The Speaker, Mr. Uche Okafor who presided over the plenary described the debate as a very robust and tentative discussion.
According to Speaker, Ndi Anambra will also see what it is and the intention of the state government.
“The House Committee will take it up from what we discussed today and work on it for consideration in the next adjourned date”, he added.
However, Mr. Somtochukwu Udeze representing Ogbaru 11 Constituency has commended the efforts of Governor Soludo in developing Anambra State.
Udeze, while supporting the motion for adjournment observed that the meagre Federal Allocation to Anambra State and its Internally Generated Revenue were not enough for rapid development of the state.
He, therefore, advised Gov. Soludo to source for loan or grants outside the state to meet the infrastructural needs of the state.
Adding his voice to it, the Speaker said that securing loan or grant would enable the governor to meet up with the developmental needs of the state.
