GOVERNOR OF RIVERS STATE, ASSENTS 2017 BUDGET AND PLEDGES ACCELERATED DEVELOPMENT.

Gov Nyesom Wike of Rivers has signed the 2017 Appropriation Bill of N470 billion into law, pledging to accelerate the development of the state.

A statement issued by Mr Simeon Nwakaudu, the Special Assistant to Wike on Electronic Media, said on Friday that the fiscal policy was christened “Golden Jubilee Budget’’ for accelerated development.

Giving his assent to the budget, Wike commended the State House of Assembly for always placing the interest of the people above other considerations.

He said: “You passed the budget on time so that the State Government will continue to deliver dividends of democracy to the good people of Rivers State.

“I sincerely thank the state lawmakers for supporting the Executive Arm to provide basic infrastructure to the people of the state”.

He said his administration would ensure diligent implementation of the budget in line with the tenets of the New Rivers Vision.

Wike assured that funds meant for other arms of government would be released as scheduled.

He said: “The Executive Arm of government will continue to cooperate with other arms of the state government to develop the state.”

Besides, the governor said his administration would remain focused in spite the alleged “undemocratic actions against the Rivers people”.

A breakdown of the budget indicates total projected capital expenditure is N329 billion, representing 70 per cent, while N141 billion is proposed for recurrent expenditure.