Gov. Ayade Signs N1.3trn Budget In Tears, Seeks Divine Intervention In Implementation

The sobbing Governor after signing the budget into law called on clergymen to pray for the state in order to make the budget realizable.

“This is the first trillion budget in the annals of Nigerian history, and therefore it is unique, and ambitious intended to decouple the state from the dependence on federation account.

“The philosophy behind the budget is the spirit of ‘we can do it’ and creates a new vista, thinking and horizon that would take us out of the woods. It is high time we put to an end to the civil service status mentality we have found ourselves by thinking outside the box.

“This is epochal in the history of the state and the nation as it is the first to pass the N1triilion mark in the nation among states. Part of the philosophy of this budget will focus on human capital development and we said we will put food on the table; which was still what we focused on in our year one and year two. But on this third year, we are amending the agenda to be food on the table, hand on the plough.

Speaking also, the Commissioner of Finance Mr. Asuquo Ekpenyong said the passage of the budget demonstrates the cordial relationship between the executive and the legislature. He assured that the budget when implimented would positively impact on the lives of Cross Riverians.

"This budget is intended to crystallize and implement the visions that have been so far done by the administration. We are entering the fourth year term, so this is the time to deliver on the mandate and the promise we made to the people. There is going to be a trickle-down effect as we start implementing the budget and Cross Riverians are going to benefit from the multiplier effect if they position themselves well”