Why we held a public hearing of the 2016 budget, by Usoro Akpanusoh

Usoro Akpanusoh

The Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly committee on Finance and Appropriation, Dr. Usoro Akpanusoh has explained the rationale behind the 2016 public hearing of the 2016 Akwa Ibom State budget christened the budget of sustainable Development. The lawmaker explained that this is to involve the organized sectors and members of the public in the deliberation process and also to highlight to the state how monies are going to be appropriated. He said, it is the determination of the committee to make sure that no section of the state is left in the dark as to the budget appropriation since it is tax payers monies that are being appropriated.

Akpanusoh who is the member representing Esit Eket/Ibeno State constituency hinted that the committee will do everything within their powers to ensure that no section of the society and the state is left behind in the appropriation processes. He explained to newsmen that the failure of Government in some quarters could be attributed to non adherence to the policy thrust of a budget and maintained that since the 6^th Assembly is of the people, for the people and by the people that the committee under his watch will ensure that the right thing is done especially when viewed from the fact that the Assembly intends to ensure that the budget s followed up to the later.

The former Esit Eket council vice Chairman also informed that the policy thrust of the public briefing on the 2016 budget proposals of the state is to give details of the budgets to citizens. He stated that the committee was also doing what it did in compliance with the Fiscal responsibility and Civic Rights and also in obedience to Section 14 (2a-c) of the 1999 constitution as amended which provides for the participation of people in governance. He said such exercise as executed by the committee would guarantee good governance in the state.

Speaking at the event the Assembly speaker Barr Onofiok Luke who declared the hearing opened appreciated the committee chairman and his members for ensuring that the initiative he opened about four years ago is sustained. He called on the people to ensure that they make very meaningful contributions towards the budget public hearing as according to him that will encourage the success of the 2016 budget.

The Hon Speaker informed members of the public that the 6^th Assembly is the People’s Assembly and will do all within its powers not to let the people down.

Mr. Akan Okon the Akwa Ibom State commissioner for Finance stated that the budget is in line with global best practices. After taking time to explain in details the composition of the budget he maintained that the state Government will not fail the citizenry and appreciated also the committee for organizing the public hearing. While he insisted that the budget will ensure sustainable Development of the state he added that he is always ready to ensure that the words of the budget are followed to the best of standards.

The Economic Development Commissioner Emmanuel Onwodiukit relied on the argument of the Finance commissioner and added that the budget was prepared bearing in mind the falling oil price in the global market but with a target by the state Government to diversify the economy of the state. He appreciated the committee for inviting him to the public hearing and maintained that the state Executive council will not falter in its total implementation.

Others who spoke at the event which attracted maximum attendance were the Chairman of NLC in the state Comrade Etim Ukpong, the Chairman of the NBA in the state Barr Aniekan Akpan amongst others who also presented their memoranda to members of the committee for onward delivery to the Assembly through the memoranda committee.