NIGERIA (Rivers) - Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State surprised many people yesterday when, amid tight security, he presented the 2014 appropriation bill of N485.524 billion inside the Government House, Port Harcourt.

The budget which was lower than N490.320 presented last year was immediately passed into law by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly at the sitting.

The capital and recurrent provisions are N247.573 billion and N237.950 billion. The capital to recurrent ratio is 76:24 for the financial year 2014, as against 70:30 achieved as at September 2013.

According to Amaechi, the budget will be funded by the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee’s (FAAC’s) allocation of N241.243 billion and the Internally-Generated Revenue (IGR) of N92.420 billion.

Others include balance of N10.717 billion, proposed loans of N100 billion, credit from the World Bank of N6.983 billion, the European Union’s (EU’s) grant of N0.660 billion and the sale of assets of N33.5 billion.

The breakdown of the budget shows that the Ministry of Works has the largest share of N60 billion, followed by the Ministry of Education with N30 billion. The Rivers Urban Beautification, Parks and Gardens, as well as the Auditor-General (State), each has the lowest of 0.080 billion.

After a few hours of deliberations by 23 out of 25 pro-Amaechi lawmakers on seat, the budget was passed into law by the Speaker, Otelemaba Dan Amachree.

 The six anti-Amaechi lawmakers, in a joint statement, however, raised the alarm over Amaechi’s plan to present the 2014 budget inside the Brick House (Government House), instead of the hallowed chambers of the Rivers House of Assembly, which was done later in the day.

Some of the anti-Amaechi lawmakers who were absent at the budget presentation were Evans Bipi (Ogu/Bolo constituency), Michael Okechukwu Chinda (Obio/Akpor II), Kelechi Godspower Nwogu (Omuma), Martins Amaewhule (Obio/Akpor I), Victor Ihunwo (Port Harcourt III) and Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani, the Chief Whip (Andoni).

In his reaction, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Amachree said the budget was presented at the Government House due to series of renovations ongoing at the House of Assembly, following the July 9, 2013 fracas where most of the appliances and valuable items were vandalized.

Amachree also cited insecurity and not having access to the Assembly complex as other reasons for the Government House budget presentation and passage.

Present at the presentation ceremony were commissioners, other top government officials and eminent Rivers indigenes.

 Speaking during the presentation, Gov. Amaechi said: “On behalf of the Rivers State Government, I would like to record our gratitude to Rivers people for supporting and defending the mandate given us in October 2007, to continue to lead the state.

“In return, we shall be unwavering in our determination to deliver on every promise made to you, to deliver good governance and sustainable development. Neither our personal comfort nor any threat to our persons would deter us from reaching our collective goals as Rivers people.

“In the midst of these provocations, we will fulfill the promises of our mandate and make our people proud. The 2014 budget will not accommodate new projects. This is in the light of current realities and out of a resolve to guarantee efficient service delivery.

“The economic realities arising from already-dwindling revenues since mid 2013 suggest a need for prudence and good sense this year. Government will continue to demonstrate good sense of management, by making more money available to finance the ongoing projects for completion next year.

“The focus of the budget (2014) will be on completing ongoing projects in health, education, roads, transport, power, water, agriculture and other critical infrastructure. The 2014 budget is formulated to achieve the agenda of this administration, with the overall objective of prospering the state and promoting the wellbeing of the people.”

Meanwhile, the auditorium used for the budget presentation has been designated as the makeshift chamber of the House of Assembly, after which the Deputy Chie-Whip of the house, Irene Inimgba second the motion moved by the House Deputy Leader, Hon. Nname Ewor.