Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, was caught in a mix of confusion during his presentation of the 2025 budget to the State House of Assembly on Tuesday.
The governor noted during his presentation that the proposed budget estimated at N605 billion, reflects a 25 per cent increase from the 2024 budget.
The Appropriation Bill is titled “Budget of Renewed Hope for a Rising Edo.”
Okpebholo — a member of the All Progressives Congress, who won the state’s 2024 governorship election, defeating Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party, – struggled with the pronunciation of the budget’s numerical value.
As seen in a video on social media, the governor stuttered, “The Edo State 2025 Appropriation Bill of 6 billion… 650… 605 billion… 76 thou… 76 million…
“Let me take it again. 506 billion… 605 billion… sorry… 776 billion… sorry, it’s confusing me.”
An uproar erupted in the House before the Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, called for order, saying, “Order the House, please. Mr Speaker must be heard in silence, please.”
Okpebholo concluded, “605 billion and details of the budget proposed… proposal for your consideration and approval. Thank you for your kind consideration.”
The governor disclosed that N223bn, or 37 per cent of the total N605bn budget, would be dedicated to recurrent expenditure. The remaining N381bn, which represents 63 per cent, is allocated to capital projects.
“This budget is a product of extensive consultations and embodies my administration’s commitment to achieving its five-point agenda: security, infrastructural development, healthcare, food sufficiency and education.
“We are aware of the critical need to connect communities with motorable roads for rapid economic growth. The construction of the iconic Ramat Park fly-over, the first of its kind in the state, marks a significant step towards transforming Benin City from an ancient city into a modern one,” he stated, among others.
In his remark, the speaker said, “We will collaborate with your Excellency to ensure that the people of Edo enjoy the dividends of democracy.”
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