Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has signed the state’s 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Law, increasing the 2026 budget from N961,624,047,275.08 to N963,074,438,018.60.
In a statement issued on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Linus Obogo, Otu expressed satisfaction with the quality and commitment of officials serving in his administration, despite what he described as negative narratives often generated on social media.
He said, “Sometimes, when you go on social media, you see all manner of narratives. But what we are seeing here today is a clear demonstration that there are people who are working and who are committed to the progress of Cross River State.”
Otu said the progress recorded by his administration reflected the capacity and dedication of those entrusted with public responsibilities, stressing that government must continue to review its policies and programmes in line with changing realities.
“We cannot continue to do things exactly the same way when circumstances have changed. Government must be dynamic enough to adjust, to review and to reposition its policies and programmes to meet the realities of the time,” he said.
The governor noted that the prevailing economic climate made it necessary for government to constantly align its development plans and financial resources with broader macroeconomic realities.
“We have to ensure that there is a balance between our development aspirations and the economic realities that confront us. That is why these adjustments and legal frameworks are important,” Otu said.
The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, commended Otu for his flexible leadership style, adding that the supplementary appropriation was designed to address developments and needs that were not envisaged at the time the principal appropriation law was enacted.
Ayambem said the supplementary appropriation increased the state’s 2026 budget from N961,624,047,275.08 to N963,074,438,018.60.
“This supplementary appropriation is designed to address developments and needs that were not envisaged at the time the principal appropriation law was enacted,” the Speaker said.
He said the law would enable the government to move funds from dormant budgetary positions to areas of greater need, while accommodating new revenue sources arising from increased Federation Allocation to the state.
“Where funds are lying dormant, and there are critical areas requiring intervention while accommodating new revenue sources arising from increased Federation Allocation to the state,” Ayambem said.
COURTESY: PUNCH
