The possibility of the 2013 Imo state budget getting the nod of the state lawmakers before it becomes operational next year is doubtful as the members of the Imo State House of Assembly have adopted an indifference approach to the deliberations of the Appropriation Bill.
Indications that another strained relationship between the state legislature and executive may likely disrupt 2013 budget discussion and debate emerged moments after the 2013 was presented to the members at the Assembly complex.
The members after receiving the budget subsequently adjourned to December 18 when they would likely pass the budget.
It was learnt that prior to the budget presentation, the executive and legislature had an “arrangement” bordering on public relations to ensure easy and smooth passage of the Appropriation Bill. The agreed “PR” is meant to not only motivate the lawmakers accept all the budget proposals but also expedite action on the passage before next year.
A week after Governor Okorocha presented the budget, the lawmakers are yet to receive or see “any show” from the executive angle. Instead of the N200,000 each which was reported to be for PR to the lawmakers, the House members were now promised N100,000 each which they are yet to receive as at the time of going to press.
The reduction in the agreed amount and inability to see any cash from any quarter has given rise to mutual suspicion and mistrusts among members. Some of the members who are wearing aggrieved postures over the development have threatened not to be part of the budget discussion and deliberation. The latest development has however forced the lawmakers to avoid the Assembly Complex.
Disturbed by the new twist, the leadership of the House began meeting yesterday. At a meeting at the Guest House of the Speaker in New Owerri, the non fulfillment of the promised “PR” and handling of the budget discussion was at the front burner. Even as no compromise was reached, Imo Trumpeta further gathered that the lawmakers are not in a good time to discuss the budget. A reasonable number recalled that one of the cheques extended to them lately by the executive arm could not translate to cash.
