The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, has pledged a rigorous legislative examination of the state’s 2027 Appropriation Bill to ensure prudent resource allocation, fiscal accountability and improved service delivery.
Ayambem gave the assurance while declaring open the 2027 Budget Retreat, themed “Consolidation and Renewed Hope,” at Centurion Hotel, Obudu, where he charged lawmakers to critically examine the proposed estimates in line with the needs and aspirations of Cross Riverians.
He said the retreat provides an opportunity for members of the Assembly to assess the proposed budget, evaluate government spending priorities and ensure that allocations reflect the development needs of the people.
The Speaker identified agriculture, healthcare, education, infrastructure and human capital development as critical sectors requiring adequate attention, stressing that budgetary provisions must support programmes that directly improve citizens’ welfare.
He reaffirmed the 10th Assembly’s commitment to a comprehensive and timely review of the appropriation bill, noting that effective legislative scrutiny remains essential to promoting fiscal discipline, accountability and the judicious use of public funds.
Ayambem emphasised that the Assembly would carefully examine the proposed allocations to ensure that public expenditure aligns with government policies and delivers tangible benefits to the people.
He commended Governor Bassey Edet Otu for maintaining a constructive relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government, noting that cooperation between both institutions was vital to effective governance and the achievement of the state’s development objectives.
According to him, sustained engagement between the two arms of government would promote a shared understanding of policy priorities while ensuring that public resources are directed towards programmes that serve the public interest.
The Speaker described the annual budget retreat, sustained by the 10th Assembly for four consecutive years, as a demonstration of the legislature’s commitment to strengthening its budgetary oversight responsibilities and improving its engagement with the state’s fiscal plans.
He explained that the retreat would enable lawmakers to deepen their understanding of the proposed estimates, scrutinise key spending proposals and identify areas requiring adjustments before the bill proceeds through the legislative process.
Ayambem expressed optimism that the deliberations would produce a responsive and people-centred budget that advances the development priorities of Governor Otu’s administration under its People First policy framework.
He added that the ultimate objective of the review process was to ensure that government policies and programmes translate into meaningful improvements in the lives of Cross Riverians while promoting sustainable development across the state.
