The Akwa Ibom State Government has explained why it estimated N14.7 billion in its 2024 budget for the purchase of vehicles and renovation of certain government buildings in the state.
The Commissioner for Information in Akwa Ibom, Ini Ememobong, said in a statement issued on Saturday that the Governor’s Office Annex, along Wellington Bassey Way, Uyo, is one of the buildings included for renovation in the budget.
He said the building houses many “important” government offices, such as the Budget Office and the Department of General Services, and more than 300 public officials work inside.
“This building also has a room that, although it is a source of income, has been unused for a long time due to its dilapidated condition. The proposed renovation, which is yet to be carried out, is therefore very necessary and in the best interest of the State,” Mr Ememobong said.
He said the Akwa Ibom State Government, “as a responsible and responsive government”, decided to offer the explanation due to media reports on these budget provisions.
According to the statement, the government will also renovate the residences of the Governor and Deputy Governor in Uyo.
“This renovation was proposed based on sound professional advice, to reinforce the two hostels and other nearby fixtures due to the threat of erosion throughout Government House.
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“The Governor decided to address the source of the threat, which is the erosion site on Dominic Utuk Avenue, and converted it into the proposed ARISE Recreational Park. “The renovation, when carried out in the future, will be much smaller in scope than previously proposed, but the value will be determined by the prevailing prices of materials at that time,” the commissioner said.
Purchase of vehicles for legislators
The Akwa Ibom State Government said the purchase of vehicles for members of the House of Assembly will assist lawmakers in their oversight and other legislative duties.
“Although the proposal was for two vehicles (an official vehicle and a project inspection vehicle), only the first was purchased due to the constant reprioritization of needs by the administration and the understanding of state legislators,” said the Mr. Ememobong.
“It is an undeniable fact that the administration led by Umo Eno has been very cost-effective and economical in allocating its expenditure, while ensuring that all strata of our society are well taken care of.
“This administration has paid over N35 billion in outstanding work-related financial commitments (pension arrears, gratuities, leave allowances, etc.), reached over 132,026 families with 5kg of staple foods (rice, beans and garri) through the ARISE free food program. distributed agricultural inputs worth over N1.5 billion to over 11,072 farmers, 150 public schools etc.
“In addition to the donation of 36 compassionate homes for vulnerable people, 164 more homes are underway, of which 62 will be delivered in the coming days,” Ememobong said.
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“While it is understandable that the economic situation of the country has made the mention of any amount of money frightening, alarming and capable of stimulating anger among the population, we must reflect on the existing reality of the ever-increasing cost of materials ( like cement). , rods, etc.), that stare us in the face, along with the desirability and inevitability of the government functioning properly through its elected and appointed officials. For these officials to function effectively, they must be provided with basic work tools to help them in their task.
“Despite all this, we can assure our citizens that the administration led by Governor Umo Eno has not been, is not and will not be wasteful in the process of administering our state. We continue to seek the understanding and support of our people for the administration.
“The figures in question are budget projections, not actual expenditures. These projections were discussed, analyzed and publicly approved by the state legislature.”