By Aondowase Agabi
Benue state governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has received the report of the 2023 budget review committee he constituted prior to his inauguration in May, 2023.
The committee was to look at the 2023 Budget approved by the 9th Benue Assembly, and realign it with the vision of his administration.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary Kulas Tersoo said the governor commended the committee for their stewardship.
He said the governor who received the report at the Old Banquet Hall, Government House Makurdi, on Tuesday, said he had no doubt about the capacity of the committee members when they were chosen for the job, saying their tall profiles gave him confidence that they were going to deliver on the assignment, within a short time.
While commending the committee members for their sacrifices towards the assignment, the governor called for the support of all Benue sons and daughters in the effort to recreate a new Benue, saying Benue will surely go from grace to grace and from height to height.
In his earlier address, the chairman of the Budget review committee, Dr. Jerome Andohol, thanked the Governor for finding the committee members worthy of the job.
He said the committee found out during the review process that the budget was not implementable, as it was not based on any principles and it provided no viable solutions.
“We decided to do proper adjustments to the budget and align it with your manifesto, titled a Strategic Development Plan for a Greater Benue. This, we believe will continue to guide yearly budgets covering your four year tenure period, from the year 2023-2027.”
The chairman who appealed to the governor and his administration to take the recommendations of the committee seriously, said if taken seriously and adhered to, it will help the government and its officials to be properly guided on what to do for the overall interest of the state.
The other members of the committee are, Dr. Vincent Gisaor (Secretary), Hon. James Tor, Hon. Chris Dura, Mrs. Iveren Elgba, Hon. Godwin Ashinya Dajoh, Mike Oglegba, Prof. Engr. Gabriel Akpen, Barr. Obande Jacob Ajene, Barr. Joe Abaagu, Dr. Chris Obute and Emmanuel Aduku.