By Mumini AbdulKareem
Barring any last minute change of decision, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed is set to sign the 2019 budget into law today.
The signing of the budget would eventually see that state as one of the leading states in the country where the Governor would present and sign the budget in December.
The Kwara State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Dr Ali Ahmad had promised to work with the executive to ensure the state becomes one of the first in the country to regularise its fiscal year from January to December.
Following the presentation of the budget to the Kwara State House of Assembly on 6th December, 2018, the lawmakers last Thursday passed N157.8 billion as 2019 Appropriation bill for the state, 0.19 per cent higher than the initial bill.
A top government official told our reporter last night that the Governor would give assent to budget today (Monday) adding that that all machineries have been put in place.
Investigation by this reporter revealed that invitation has been extended to the House of Assembly towards the budget signing ceremony slated for the Government House.
It could not be confirmed whether the bill on local government autonomy would also be assented to by the Governor today as hinted by House sources after it was passed by the legislature.
One of the lawmakers who spoke in confidence on the issue confirmed the invitation by the executive towards the passage of the budget today.
Also, when contacted last night, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the Governor, Dr Muideen Akorode confirmed the development adding that the ceremony would take place 12 pm at the Government House, Ilorin.
Asked whether the Governor would also sign the bill on local government autonomy into law, the Akorede said, “I am not aware. All I know is that he will be signing the budget into law tomorrow (Monday).
