The Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Mathew Kolawole, Thursday in Lokoja assured that the legislative arm of government would give the 2018 Appropriation Bill a speedy passage in the interest of all.
Hon. Kolawole said efforts would be doubled through rigorous oversight function to ensure that the budget is passed to enable the government commence in earnest the implementation of projects that would have impact on the lives of the people.
The Speaker stressed that the budget of the present administration has always been well conceived, well intended and well planned to take care of the major areas of challenges that is common to all strata of governance.
He urged MDAs and parastatals to avoid corrupt tendencies that could impede the process of a successful implementation of the 2018 budget.
Hon. Kolawole said the executive on its part should ensure that the laws and other relevant matters connected with the passage are fully operational to prevent leakages that could jeopardize the process.
The speaker described the budget as an important policy tool that provides an avenue for both the Executive and the Legislative to collaborate in the management and allocation of the state resources.
According to him, the constitution requires the governor to present the budget and the House of Assembly to approve the fiscal estimate, adding that the processes are designed to achieve a realistic distribution of resources and an optimal opportunity for the people of the state.
He explained that the power to approve also include the power to analyse the budget, debate, amend and enact into law the estimates presented by the governor.
As co-managers of the economy and drivers of development, the executive and the legislators are responsible and accountable for performance, therefore the two arms must work in harmony to ensure effective and efficient supervision and control in the budget implementation process, he said.
Credit: Inside Story
