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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has granted financial autonomy to both the legislative and Judiciary arms of government in the state.
This was part of the decisions taken during the state’s 7th Executive Council meeting of the year 2024, held on Wednesday, February 28th, 2024.
Briefing newsmen on the outcome of the meeting in Government House Makurdi on Thursday evening, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula, said with the development, the allocations of both the legislature and the judiciary in the state will henceforth, be placed in the first-line charge in the state’s budget, giving them financial independence.
Mr Kula said the EXCO also approved the sum of ₦351million for the acquisition of a permanent motor park for the state owned Transport Company, Benue Links Nig. Ltd, in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), as a way of stabilizing the company and making it easier for commuters.
He said the governor during the meeting, reiterated his unshaken stand on infrastructural development, payment of salaries and pensions, saying those will always be the main focus of his administration.
The CPS also cited the massive ongoing construction works in the state, including an underpass both in Makurdi and Gboko saying he will ensure the projects are constructed according to standards.
According to him, as a way to ensure that all the materials used for constructions in the state meet the required standard, the EXCO also approved the sum of ₦426.5million for the establishment of a standard Civil Engineering Material Testing Quality Control Laboratory for the Ministry of Works, Housing and Urban Development, where materials will be tested before using them for construction works in the state.
He explained that the measure was to ensure quality on all projects been carried out in the State, and to forestall future disasters.
He disclosed further the desire of the government of Rev. Fr. Alia to start saving for the rainy days, a decision he said, the EXCO approved for the establishment of Benue Subnational Fund, where monies can be saved for turbulent times.
He also said a committee has been set up to submit the proposal to the establishment of the Benue Subnational Fund to the Benue State House of Assembly for deliberations and enactment into law.
