The outgoing Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa presented a seventy-one billion naira 2023 supplementary budget to the State House of Assembly for approval.

Okowa made the presentation on Tuesday barely 13 days to the end of his 8-year tenure.

The 2023 supplementary budget was contained in a letter read at plenary presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Mr Christopher Ochor in Asaba.

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The outgoing going said that the budget has over five billion naira(N5.6b) recurrent expenditure and over sixty-five billion naira (N65.5b) capital expenditure.

The letter read:

“May I wish to note that there has been actual and projected increase in some fiscal receipts.

“Consequently, the supplementary budget has become necessary for appropriation to pay for some critical projects and activities of government as well as fund ongoing projects across the state in year 2023.

“In the light of the foregoing, it would be greatly appreciated if the draft 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Bill is placed before the House at its earliest convenience for consideration and passing into law.”

During Tuesday’s plenary, the Majority Leader, Mr Ferguson Onwo, moved a motion for the first reading of the budget, which was unanimously adopted when put to a voice vote by the deputy speaker.

In addition, the House Joint Committee on Rules, Business, Legal and Judicial Matters and Special Committee on Bills presented its report on a bill to provide for the Compulsory Treatment and Care of Victims of Gunshots in the state.

The Chairman, House Committee on Rules, Business, Legal and Judicial Matters, Mr Charles Oniyere, presented the report, stating that the joint committee worked tirelessly to deliver within the allotted time frame given to it.

After meticulous examination and scrutiny of the bill, the committee made some far-reaching recommendations for the approval of the House.

The report was set to be considered by the Committee of the Whole next week.