The Rivers State House of Assembly has resolved that commissioners and heads of parastatals, should start appearing before committees of the House to defend their request in the N179.4 billion 2007 appropriation bill.
In a unanimous resolution, Tuesday, the House resolved that today, Thursday and Friday be designated as sitting days that would be reserved to facilitate the defense of budget by government officials, before various committees.
Though, member of the House representing Asari Toru (II), Hon. Ibinabo Michael-West requested that the days for the debriefing of government officials be extended to the whole of next week, the Deputy Speaker, Tonye Harry, who presided, declined.
Hon. Harry said that the House should sit on Monday to take stock, note areas where there are difficulties, and if necessary, adjourn for the committee work.
He urged the lawmakers to give a speedy consideration of their brief on the budget, stressing that logistics and all that is necessary to facilitate their work will be provided.
The 2007 appropriation bill christened, “Budget of Sustained Consolidation for Prosperity” will be the last bill, the current Assembly, otherwise known as the Fifth Assembly, will consider before the expiration of their tenure in May.
