2023 Budget: Anambra State Government Provides Detailed Explanation
The Commissioner for Budget & Economic Planning, Ms Chiamaka Nnake has urged ndi Anambra to watch out for the 2023 budget which shall focus on key deliverable projects.
In company with her was the Commissioner for Information, Sir Paul Nwosu and Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Christian Aburime.
The 2023 proposed budget is at a sum of N258,984,875,905 approximately at N259 billion.
This is compared to the revised 2022 budget of N169.6 billion.
The capital expenditure increased by 51.1% from N108.2 billion in the 2022 revised budget to N163.5 billion.
While the recurrent expenditure increased by 55.6% from N61.4 billion to N95.5 billion in the 2023 proposed estimate.
Every budget has its capital and recurrent. The capital expenditure accounts for 63.1% of the budget size while the recurrent accounts for 36.9% of the budget size.
Key infrastructural projects account for 55.4% of the capital expenditure and 35% of the entire budget size.
The composition of recurrent budget includes; salaries (21.6%) of the recurrent expenditure, social benefits (15.2%), overhead (30.5%), loan repayment (17.5%) amongst others.
Sectorial allocation covers four broad sectors which includes the administrative sector, economic sector, law & justice sector, social sector.
The capital expenditure within the administrative sector accounts for 6.8% of the capital budget.
The economic sector accounts for 72.5%.
Law and justice sector accounts for 2.1% while the social sector accounts for 15.2% of the capital budget size.
The 2023 budget will highlight key deliverable projects ndi Anambra can feel, touch and experience.
The Leisure park project that will be delivered by the Ministry of Culture, Entertainment and Industry has a budget of N7.5 billion.
Under the Ministry of Education, the state Government is revamping the educational system with a budget of N8.4 billion, a mass improvement of N2.2 billion estimated in budget appropriated in 2022.
The health system have a budget size of N6.2 billion.
The site design, preparation of industrial city and Export Processing Zone under the Ministry of Works has a budget of N2 billion.
Legal outreach and mass mobilization of ndi Anambra delivered by Ministry of Information has a budget of N200 million.
Completion of ongoing road projects and construction of new ones which will be delivered by the Ministry of Works is budgeted at N70 billion.
Urban regeneration for Anambra which shall come up with iconic designs, road mapping and giving Anambra a facelift is budgeted at N2.5 billion under the Ministry of Works.
For Ministry of Youths, two key projects shall be delivered; development of Anambra innovation and business district is budgeted at N1 billion while Youth innovation and empowerment program is budgeted at N2.5 billion.
Women Affairs shall have a solution based cooperative for economic empowerment budgeted at N1.5 billion.
For Housing projects; Government House, Government Lodge and Commissioners Quarters budgeted at N4.5 billion.
Sports development is budgeted at N1.5 billion.
In improving the transport infrastructure, the State Government shall revamp water transport with boats and buses for mass transit at a budget of N2.9 billion.
In sustaining security, security gadgets and armored personnel carrier shall be purchased at a budget of N500 Million.
Special intervention projects targeted at oil producing communities; Anambra is an oil producing state and based on 5% derivation for 2023 budget is at N500 Million.
Oil palm and coconut seedlings have a budget of N1.5 billion.
Looking towards a 24/7 power supply in the state, N5 billion is budgeted for the power project in 2023.
Revamping urban water scheme gulps N2 billion in estimate.
Desilting of drainages is budgeted at N1 billion.
Community Choose Your Project is budgeted at N2 billion.
Grants to Community Governance is budgeted at N1.2 billion.
Building and deploying a state owned data center will take a budget of N720 Million.
Lastly, counterpart fund sustained for 2023 will have a budget of N3 billion.
These sums up for N123 billion, 78% of the capital budget.
*HOW WILL THIS BUDGET BE FUNDED*
There’s an approved loan of N100 billion expected to be granted to Anambra State Government before the end of this year.
Statutory Allocation from Federal Government is N101 billion.
IGR is N48 billion.
Capital Receipts is N6.4 billion.
Total revenue is N155.9 billion.
FG Files fresh Charges Against Nnamdi Kanu
The Federal Government has filed an amended seven-count terrorism charge against the proscribed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu.
The amended charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, was entered before the Federal High Court in Abuja, and contained all earlier sustained allegations against the IPOB leader.
As a result of the amended charges, it is to be argued whether the FG could proceed to re-arraign the IPOB leader on the amended charges despite the October 13 judgement.
The Court of Appeal had discharged Kanu of all the allegations as well as appeals on the subject matter still pending before the Supreme Court.
However, the federal government in the new amended charges alleged that Kanu had issued a deadly threat via a broadcast, heard and received across the country that anyone who disobeyed his sit-at-home order in the south-eastern states should write his or her will.
It also contended that the resulting effect of the broadcast had caused banks, schools, markets, shopping malls, fuel stations in the eastern states part of the country to shut down their business operations affecting citizens and leading to grounding of vehicular movements.
The Federal Government further alleged that the IPOB leader had between 2018 and 2021, made inciting broadcasts, received and heard in Nigeria, instigating the public to hunt and kill Nigerian security personnel and their family members, thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 1 (2) (h) of the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act, 2013.
Furthermore, the FG alleged that Kanu had, between the March and April 2015, imported into Nigeria and kept in Ubulisiuzor in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, a radio transmitter known as Tram 50L, concealed in a container of used household items, thereby, committing an offence contrary to section 47 (2) (a) of Criminal Code Act Cap, C45 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, adding that he also directed members of IPOB “to manufacture bombs.
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Peter Obi Meets Johnson Suleman
Mr Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of Labour Party, LP, on Friday met with Apostle Johnson Suleman of Omega Fire Ministries.
The meeting was disclosed by Suleman via his Twitter handle.
Sharing a photograph of the meeting, Suleman wrote: “Thank you @PeterObi for coming to the house..may God continually protect you in Jesus name.”
Following the commencement of his presidential campaign, Obi has met with several clergymen.
Peter Obi had visited the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, with Pastor Enoch Adeboye preaching.
In July, the LP presidential candidate met the founder of Living Faith Bible Church, David Oyedepo, at the church’s headquarters in Ota, Ogun State.
Also, the former Anambra State Governor met with Paul Enenche of Dunamis International Gospel Centre.
The LP presidential flag bearer had also met with the Methodist Church community.
His visits to these churches had pulled mixed reactions from Nigerians.
However, Peter Obi had said his visit to churches was not for political reasons.
(Journalist101)
We do not Work, Pay Us Half Salaries then Pay ASUU- Senator Suggests to FG
Senator Ali Ndume (APC-Borno South) has urged the Federal Government to slash the salaries of the National Assembly members by 50 percent to give it to the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, so as to meet their pressing demands.
Ndume stated this while reacting to the alleged half-pay to the ASUU members in Maiduguri on Thursday.
The former Senate Leader advised the federal government to constitute a high-powered standing committee of respected educationists and patriotic Nigerians to meet with the leadership of ASUU to address the burning issues.
He said, “Even if it means that the National Assembly will reduce sitting allowances or be paid on casual allowances basis whenever they sit at the Lower and upper chambers, by cutting the recurrent expenditure in the budget of the federal lawmakers to settle the ASUU arrears, let it be.
We only assemble twice or so in a week and get paid as such.”
According to Ndume, civil servants who worked from home during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic were paid their full monthly salaries and allowances.
He said, “So why will the federal government cut university lecturers’ salaries because they went on legitimate strike? Constitutionally, they’re fighting for their rights and privileges.”
Ndume added, “As a matter of priority and as a public servant in the legislative chambers, we do not work, so why don’t you just give us half salaries and then pay ASUU.”
(Journalist101)
Tinubu Actually Shared Block of Flat with Drug Peddlers in US- Festus Keyamo
Festus Keyamo, chief spokesman for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign council, has admitted that Bola Tinubu, the party’s flag bearer, was a co-tenant to wanted cocaine dealers in Chicago in the state of Illinois.
Tinubu was, however, oblivious of the kind of work the people he shared a “block of flats” with were into, Keyamo said as he tried to exonerate his principal from allegations of drug trafficking in light of the release of court documents that suggested Tinubu’s ties to illicit drug business and money laundering in the United States.
What happened was that Asiwaju (Bola Tinubu) went to open an account. The address which he used in opening the account was the address used by these people…(sic). I think some blocks of flats. Maybe, he happened to be in that block of flats too.
So, they now link it that the other people they were investigating for narcotics are in the same address used by Asiwaju to open that account,” Keyamo said on Wednesday on Channels Television programme as he seeks to explain away and downplay the fresh controversies that had been trailing the former Lagos governor involvement in drug peddling.
The certified copies of the 1993 case was recently released by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
The documents confirmed that the U.S. government had in July 1993 sought forfeiture of proceeds of narcotics Tinubu was accused of laundering. The matter was resolved in a compromise between the Tinubus and the U.S. authorities, with the Tinubus being asked to keep the money in the Heritage Bank account while the $460,000 in the Citibank account was forfeited.
The former Lagos governor has come under intense public scrutiny over his opaque and less than desirable past, health status and allegations of corruption. He has not personally commented on the latest case, but his campaign managers have emphasised that the matter was inconsequential and would not be a factor in the upcoming elections.
(Journalist101)
2023: Why we will not support Peter Obi – Gov Soludo
Governor Charles Soludo has reeled out reasons why the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) will not take the hard decision of supporting the former governor of the state, Peter Obi, in his presidential aspiration under the Labor Party (LP). Soludo, who is the leader of APGA, said that supporting LP’s presidential candidate will ruin the chances of the party’s candidates at different levels of electioneering.
The governor spoke on the matter recently in Akwa through his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Dr Alex Obiogbolu.
“Today, APGA remains third largest political party in Nigeria. It is the third largest, considering the number of political offices it has won. APGA has a state governor, members of the national assembly, and members of the state assemblies.
“The vision of APGA for the 2023 general election is to expand its reach and spheres of influence. APGA does not consider the wave of the OBIdient Movement as a threat towards achieving its set goals in 2023. The Labour Party (LP) and the OBIdient Movement are offshoots of the PDP. Therefore, they pose a big threat to PDP – not APGA.
“We wish Peter Obi good luck, but no matter how much we wish him, everyone is aware that we also have our own Peter Umeadi, running for president under APGA. Even if APGA should adopt Obi as its presidential candidate, our votes alone cannot make president.
“What we actually want to send as message is that as APGA people, and as Igbo people, we want to prove that one who is rejected does not reject himself. We have seen that politically, the Southeast and Igbo peoples have been denied what ought to be ours by the major parties, especially the PDP founded by an Igbo man, Alex Ekwueme.
“Therefore, as a people, we are saying that 2023 is the time for us to recalibrate, and use APGA as a platform to fight for the emancipation of our people; because, we are not oblivious of the fact that since 1999, Igbo people have been taken for granted. And there is no better way to address the injustice than to rally round APGA.
“In 2023, we need to use APGA to send a message by ensuring that all the people that are going to represent us at the national assembly, both in Anambra and other parts of Southeast, are from the platform of APGA. Anything short of this does not represent the interest and aspiration of our people.” Continue reading
BREAKING: PDP Presidential Campaign ‘Paralyzed’ As Atiku Refuses To Release Funds
The 2023 Presidential Campaign of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has been facing series of Challenges over its candidate, Atiku Abubakar’s reported refusal to release funds.
A South-West Chieftain of the Party who pleaded anonymity disclosed that Atiku’s stance has paralysed campaign activities.
He said, “There have been complaints that Atiku is unwilling to release money for campaigns. But Atiku once boasted in the presence of some governors that he had billions of naira to prosecute his campaign. That is why some of them are just looking at him and are not ready to contribute to his campaign.”
“Some governors are not sure of their chances and are reluctant to open the purse. This might change in the weeks ahead, though.”
Dismissing rumours that Atiku may be ‘broke’, the chieftain disclosed that the former VP may have learned a lot from the 2019 elections hence his recent stance.
“The presidential candidate wants to start releasing money towards the end of the campaign.”
“He is learning from the experience of 2019. He lost that election, but he is probably wiser now. What I can’t say is whether things will work out differently this time. He has told those close to him that he will release money at the appropriate time.”
However, earlier this week, a report revealed that the Governor of Akwa Ibom state and chairman of the presidential Campaign Council, Udom Emmanuel wanted to resign his position over financial problems the campaign was experiencing.
In a swift response, while addressing party supporters at the Nest of Champions Stadium, Uyo, Gov. Emmanuel dismissed the story, saying there was no iota of truth in the claim that he was considering resigning his position as Chairman of the PDP Presidential Council .
Also speaking on the matter, a member of the PDP National Executive Committee, NEC, Ibrahim Tsauri, said. that if indeed Udom complained about the paucity of funds, “There’s indeed a problem.”
“If it is true that the chairman of the campaign council complained about a lack of money, then, there is indeed a problem. Campaigns involve a lot of money because those who travel to Nigeria to talk to Nigerians don’t go by road; they fly.”
“Maybe Udom is saying the money is not enough and it is important to look inward.”
Catholic Priest Sets Up Free Hospital in Anambra State
A fiery priest and founder of Canaanland Adoration Ministries Worldwide a.k.a E-dey Work Catholic Centre, Nnobi, Anambra State, Rev Fr Magnus Ebere SDV, has moved beyond spiritual well-being of the thousands of worshippers at the adoration ground to add the philosophy of healthcare delivery system.
Fr Ebere was said to have built the free hospital for the generality of the people who have one health challenge or the other both members and non-members of the worship centre alike.
Recent inauguration of a health facility at the adoration ground called Consolation of the Poor Free Hospital has confirmed that Fr E-dey Work, as he is popularly known is compassionate to the core as a shepherd to his congregants and others from all over the country.
News of the new health facility spread across the shores of Nigeria which attracted Dr Ernest Inegbu from Canada who chaired the inauguration ceremony with some other personalities including the Very Rev Fr Lawrence Ogundikpe, SDV, the Delegate Superior, Vocationist Fathers, Nigerian Mission and royal fathers in attendance.
Rev Fr Ebere, while fielding questions from journalists at the event said he founded the hospital to inspire hope and to contribute to the wealth and well being of the people by providing the best care to every patient through quality and free medical attention.
The priest noted that a lot of people had suffered for their inability to afford medical bills. He explained that it was one of the major reasons the hospital has come on board and to fasten medical treatment of patients without the worry of payment.
“This will reduce the death rate in Nigeria which is caused by lack of medical attention and financial constraints. It will relieve the medical practitioners of nuisance often caused by patients who hang around various health facilities because of their inability to pay their bills after treatment and discharge.
“This will in turn stop any form of dehumanization being received by the sick who are unable to clear their bills to go home. It will certainly restore joy and hope to some poor Nigerians as they regain their physical health made possible at the health facility. It is generally done for the love of humanity,” Fr Ebere told journalists.
A recent breakthrough of the hospital was a successful pediatric surgery on a 9-year-old boy with un-descended left testes; a case the priest said was used as a test tube to confirm the readiness of the medical personnel to handle critical health issues with state – of – the – art hospital equipment provided to meet any challenge.
The hospital with several wards is run, according to the management, by qualified nurses, doctors, consultants, matron and a resident doctor.
Journalists were shown two other visiting consultants, as well as a pharmacist, laboratory scientist and wellAjiri Daniels nurtured receptionist.
Security of the management and the entire workforce, according to the priest, is very paramount and assured at the site.
The hospital is expected to handle another surgery come November 19 on a fibroid case.
Journalists were taken round the 22-bed spaces health facility to have a firsthand assessment of the suites, private wards, post natal ward, male and female general wards which are now being used in full capacity.
Soludo: A Solution or Affliction to Ndi Anambra- Chris Mbaka
Solution is not as easy as mentioned and there are factors that must be considered before solution becomes a success, if not, solution can turn into affliction. In Nigeria; solution must be critically assessed before it is applied because there is a systematic error and that error can turn good intentions into painful afflictions.
What is seen as solution elsewhere or where a system is right can be affliction where a system is wrong. Soludo is purely in another class where he appears to be hard to pin down with reality. You cannot rightly impose harsh taxes on the people in a country the state is irresponsible. You must find a common ground with the people.
Entirely; no state in Nigeria deserves to demand what Soludo is demanding from her citizens. A state where citizens pay for everything without any form of help from the government should not subject citizens to outrageous taxes.
Recently; there was chaos in Anambra state that was averted by the timely intervention of the state. Transporters and small businesses in Anambra state have been subjected to outrageous taxes, ranging from N15,000 to N500, even for barrow pushers. You push the barrow and pay the government that put you in that hellish condition. A government that couldn’t provide a job.
Early into Soludo’s regime; he made mention of oil revenue declining badly and gave indication that he would generate revenue for the state by taxing citizens within his jurisdiction. The promise gave birth to scorching tax regime; a move that will definitely impact Soludo’s government negatively.
Firstly; taxation is an obligation in a stable country, but outrageous taxation should not be an obligation in a struggling country like ours. Nigeria is a country in need of brave men not tax collectors and citizens should not be left to pay for the sins of the few who contributed to the decline of the country. If oil theft and corruption have damaged national revenue, Soludo must not take harming citizens for the alternative.
There is practically no economic plan set aside by the government of Governor Chukwuma Soludo to recover or stabilize the state economy. The government would instead embark on road constructions and few other visible but almost clueless policies that would not benefit the poor paying outrageous taxes he has imposed on the state. He can’t provide jobs for the citizens he is taxing.
The first attempt of the Governor to route the state of ‘Agberos’ has proved futile as ‘agberos’ have refused to stay off the roads. They have continued to extort motorists and others. Being there is a lack of will from the state security; ‘agberos’ maim and kill those that refused to pay them, leading to a remarkable lack of belief in the state security to enforce the order of the governor.
Today; the state government levy motorists as much ‘as ‘agberos’ levy them and this is the sorry condition of hustlers in Anambra state. There is nothing wrong with the governor’s decision to task Anambra people, but he should be considerate and know the government has made cost of living high. He should also know the state helps nobody’s monthly bills.
I spoke with few motorists in the state, and they were dissatisfied, even his staunch supporters were critical of him and wondering if he is really ready to go for second term. The people of Anambra voted the governor for him to make things better for them and not for them to entirely slide into a strange tax regime.
Soludo must understand that the government from the center to the end has failed to create jobs and paying such government is one of the most painful things in a country. He should consider his policies and also know that Anambra is a difficult state that hardly takes brutal or unpopular policies. They will respond in the next election term. Because they need experienced leader that can know what they want.
Soludo’s business with Anambra people has not finished, and he should be mindful of subjecting the people to harsh tax regime. He should be mindful of making the people his oil blocs. Citizens of Anambra state didn’t cause the problem Nigeria is facing today, and neither will they pay for the problem.
Chris Mbaka writes from Imo State.
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