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Gov. Lalong signs 2021 appropriation bill of N147.6bn into law
Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau has signed into law the 2021 appropriation bill of more than N147.6 billion.
The governor, who assented to the bill on Thursday in Jos, thanked the members of the state House of Assembly for the speedy passage.
The governor presented the proposed budget estimate tagged “Budget of Economic Recovery and Consolidation of Inclusive Infrastructural Growth” to the assembly on Nov. 11.
Lalong said that the speedy and successful passage or the bill would enable the government to settle down to vigorously implement it.
“This is a very significant event for the economic prosperity and peace of our state and I want to appreciate the speaker and the members of the House of Assembly for their commitment and diligence in passing the 2021 appropriation bill on time.
“This again demonstrates the unity and patriotism that is guiding the synergy between the two arms of government in delivering good governance to our people.
“The 2021 budget complies with the current economic realities, occasioned by COVID-19, which has made us to prioritise key areas that will impact our people,’’ he said.
The governor promised to support businesses to wax stronger in the state, adding that the tax that would accrue from those businesses would be utilised to develop the state and create employment opportunities.
“We hope to support businesses that will in turn pay taxes especially now that we have signed into law the new tax law for development.
“I want to appeal to all citizens to support us as we fulfill our goal of achieving sustainable economic rebirth and empowering our people,” Lalong stated.
Giving a brief breakdown of the budget, Mr Sylvester Wallanko, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, said the lawmakers increased the budget size from N134.9 billion to N147.6 billion.
He said that the rationale for the increase was based on the inclusion of some projects and programmes that were not envisaged at the executive level of budget preparation.
He said the budget, passed by the House on Dece. 17, has N90.1 billion appropriated for recurrent expenditure, while capital expenditure would gulp N57.4 billion.
According to him, the recurrent and capital expenditures represent 61 per cent and 38 per cent respectively, adding that the budget would be implemented based on the three-pillar policy of the Lalong-led administration.
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
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