Follow Us on Google
From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, has vowed a thorough scrutiny of the proposed budget to ensure prudent resource allocation and effective service delivery.
Ayambem, who made the pledge at a retreat in Cross River themed “Consolidation and Renewed Hope”, tasked Assembly members to examine the letters of the budget.
According to him, the retreat would give the lawmakers an opportunity to critically assess the 2027 Appropriation Bill, evaluate government spending priorities, and ensure that proposed expenditures reflect the people’s needs and aspirations.
He identified agriculture, healthcare, education, infrastructure and human capital development as key sectors requiring adequate attention in the budget.
The Speaker, in a statement yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Matthew Okache, reiterated the Assembly’s resolve to conduct a comprehensive and timely legislative review of the estimates, stressing the importance of fiscal responsibility and accountability in the management of public funds.
He also commended Governor Bassey Otu for sustaining a constructive relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government, noting that cooperation between both institutions remains vital to effective governance.
He further described the annual budget retreat, sustained by the 10th Assembly for four consecutive years, as a demonstration of the legislature’s commitment to strengthening its budgetary oversight responsibilities and improving the quality of legislative engagement with the state’s fiscal plans.
Ayambem expressed optimism that the retreat’s deliberations would culminate in a responsive and people-centred budget that advances the gains of Governor Bassey Otu’s People First Administration, promotes sustainable development and translates government policies into meaningful improvements in the lives of Cross Riverians.
