Al-Qaeda Behind Frenchman's Kidnapping in Nigeria - French President.

 

 

 

Al-Qaeda, or an allied group, was probably behind the kidnapping of a French engineer in Nigeria, French President Francois Hollande has said.

A group of about 30 gunmen snatched him from a heavily guarded compound in northern Nigeria, police say.

The attack occurred in Katsina state, which shares a border with Niger, where al-Qaeda's North African wing is known to operate.

Nigeria's Islamist militant group has not staged many attacks in Katsina.

Boko Haram, which is fighting to impose Islamic law in Nigeria, has killed some 3,000 people in numerous attacks across northern Nigeria since 2010, human rights groups say.

But BBC Hausa's Aliyu Tanko says the group does not normally kidnap people.

President Hollande told Europe 1 radio in France that the kidnappers were "probably linked to AQIM [Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb] or the groups which are today in Mali".

Islamist groups which are linked to al-Qaeda seized control of the whole of northern Mali, including the historic city of Timbuktu, in April.

"We have to be firm when it comes to terrorism, while at the same time maintaining contacts to free" French nationals, Mr Hollande said.

Groups linked to AQIM are also believed to be holding several other French nationals kidnapped in Niger and Mali.

The engineer kidnapped on Thursday worked for a French company on a wind power project in the town of Rimi, about 25km (15 miles) from Katsina city, reports the AFP news agency.

Katsina state police commissioner Abdullahi Magaji also told AFP he did not think Boko Haram was behind the kidnapping.

Two security guards were shot dead in the attack, while a police officer was wounded, he said. - BBC News.

Emmanuel Ugwu in Umuahia

Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji

Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji, yesterday expressed shock at the number of ghost workers in the local government system following the discovery that 1,727 non-existing workers had been drawing salaries from the 17 councils.
The ghosts workers were discovered by the Biometric Implementation Committee, which submitted its reports to the governor yesterday after several months of physical verification of workers in the council areas.

The report of the committee showed that Aba South topped the list with 245 ghost workers, followed by Isiala Ngwa South with 153, while Osisioma LGA came third with 138 ghost workers.
Others were Ikwuano, 117; Umuahia North, 123; Umuahia South, 101 ; Isialangwa  North, 92; Umunneochi, 65;  while Ugwuanagbo had the least with 28 ghost workers.

With this discovery, Orji immediately ordered the removal of the names of the ghost workers from the payroll of the local governments and decried the unending cycle of ghost workers in the system.
According to him, the verification exercise, which was vehemently opposed by council workers, has eventually revealed the extent of corruption in the local government system, adding that it amounted to sabotage by those that create the ghost workers.
The Abia chief executive laid the blame on the ghost worker syndrome in the councils on the heads of service and accountants who collude to cover up the corrupt practices.

He regretted that even those given the responsibility of auditing the staffs of the councils using the biometric data capturing machine betrayed the trust reposed in them as they manufactured and included their own ghosts in the payroll of the councils.
He therefore lauded the Biometric Implementation Committee for painstakingly executing their assignment without compromising their integrity hence he directed the committee to move into the Pensions Board and exorcise the ghosts in the system.

Earlier, while presenting the report, the chairman of the committee, Mr. Cosmos Ndukwe, who is also the Chief of Staff to the governor, said the committee recommended the removal of the unverified workers from the pay roll of councils.
The committee also recommended the biometric recapturing of the council workers based on the verified persons as well as payment of outstanding salary shortfalls in the 2012 fiscal year.

YEAR 2013 BUDGET SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY

  IMO STATE GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA

THE YEAR 2013 BUDGET SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR OF IMO STATE OWELLE ROCHAS ANAYO OKOROCHA, (OON) ON MONDAY, 3RD DECEMBER 2012 Mr. Speaker, Distinguished Honourable Members, It is with delight that I present to this Honourable House today, the 2013 Imo State Budget Christined Rescue Budget 2. This is on record the 2nd Budget to be presented in the life of this Administration. The year 2013 is very critical to this administration as it is expected to signpost a number of activities in our Rescue Mission agenda. It would be recalled that upon assumption of Office in May 2011, this administration initiated a number of people-oriented policies and programmes aimed at enhancing the well-being of the average citizen of this State. I can say without mincing words that we have strictly followed these policies and programmes and the State has evidently recorded remarkable improvements in all sectors of its economy. It would be significant to note that the process of attaining these achievements has not been very easy given the state of affairs that we inherited upon assumption of Office. Nonetheless, we are not discouraged by these challenges; rather we are further emboldened and encouraged as we confront the obstacles on our path to progress. Hononurable Speaker, Distinguished Members of the House of Assembly, permit me at this point to appreciate your unparalleled cooperation with the Executive arm of this Administration. Your synergy with the Executive, sense of cooperation and focus have contributed immensely to the achievements so far recorded since this administration came on board. I want to urge you to continue to cooperate with us knowing that your actions are for the greater benefit of the citizens who elected you to represent them. The Global Economy remained relatively stable in 2012. The International Oil Price during the period hovered between $85 and $115 per barrel. The benchmark of $75 per barrel which guided the 2012 budget was therefore not threatened during the year. Furthermore, there was relative peace in the Niger Delta region, a situation which ensured that the Nation maintained its quota in the global Oil Market. It would be noted that a number of global dynamics around the Oil Market pose serious challenges to the sustainability of oil as the mainstay of our economy. Principal among these is the increased pace of oil discovery and exploration in many countries in Africa and beyond which suggests potential supply glut with downward pressure on oil price in the near future. It is in our best interest to embark on a revolutionary change that will lead us away from oil dependency. In this regard, it is therefore necessary for us to be proactive and start early to improve our Internal Revenue Generation capacity so as to eliminate over dependence on Revenue Allocations from Federation Account. From available records, the National Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by about 6% during the Third quarter of 2012. During the year, the National Planning Commission commenced the process of calculating the GDP of individual States and the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja). So far, this project has been launched in the six (6) geo-political zones. This exercise has further sensitized the stakeholders on the benefit accruable to the economy from the project. Gross Domestic Product which measures the aggregate activities of various players in the economy in any fiscal year is a strong index for assessing the growth and development of the economy. It is also on record that in 2012, the Naira appreciated remarkably both at the Inter-bank Market and the Wholesale Dutch Auction System. The relative stability of the Naira had remarkable impact through increased confidence to Investors and capital inflow. As was the case in the 2012 budget, the exchange rate assumption for the 2013 budget remains N160 per dollar. Essentially, this is expected to give investors, increased confidence given that a strong Naira is partly a guarantee for real return on investment. THE CAPITAL MARKET After the turbulence in the capital market in the recent past, 2012 witnessed some measure of stability in the fortunes of the market. This could be attributed to some fundamental transformation programmes introduced in the wake of the capital market crises. It is expected that the market would continue its gradual recovery and engender renewed confidence of investors in its activities. NATURAL DISASTER The year 2012 was however not without some unexpected upheavals as observed in recent times in several States of the nation including Imo State. These States witnessed massive flood disaster - the type unprecedented in our recent history. In Imo State, the areas mainly affected were Ohaji Egbema and Oguta local government areas. These areas recorded significant loses in both human and material resources through deadly flooding which ravaged vast farm lands and residential areas in communities. While we pray that there should be no re-occurrence of such incidence in the future, we are taking proactive steps to manage our environment and put in place relevant structures to absorb similar shocks now and in the future. Mr. Speaker, Distinguished Members, let me assure all of us that Imo State will continue to march forward and improve on all fronts and sectors in this administration. We shall strive to sustain the tempo of economic development and ultimately give Imo State a reasonable pride of place in the Committee of States. 2012 – 2015 MEDIUM TERM DEVELOPMENT PLAN – IMO RESCUE PLAN It would be recalled that in 2011, this Honourable House passed into Law the 2012–2015 Imo State Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) known as “The Imo Rescue Development Plan” with a total size of N224 billion (Two hundred and twenty-four billion) Naira. While I cease this opportunity to once more commend you and appreciate your effort in this regard, may I inform you that all the policies and programmes of this administration have been made to conform with the contents and specifics of that plan. The four-year plan was firmly anchored on the vision of this government and enabled us to start several projects simultaneously whilst focusing on the end results as provided under the plan. The 2013 budget is also anchored on the 2012–2015 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (Imo Rescue Development Plan). The capital allocations and projects in this budget are all part of the entire package. Essentially, the State needs urgent change and redirection as detailed in the plan to address our teeming challenges. This administration shall continue to sue for the support and cooperation of our citizens in the onerous task of developing the State. This government is convinced that the collective sacrifice of our people remains critical to the pursuit of policies that would help in our fight against poverty and illiteracy and the creation of a pathway to prosperity for our people. IMO STATE WORKFORCE In the year 2012, the Imo State workforce showed remarkable drive in the execution of government policies and programmes. I am aware that productivity is dependent on skill, this is why at the inception of this administration, we set up the Imo College of Advanced Professional Studies (ICAPs). The objective of this College is to train and retrain the reserve manpower of the State so as to enhance their productivity. In the year 2013, more people will be trained in the Imo College of Advanced Professional Studies (ICAPs). Civil Servants will be drafted in batches for retraining and skills acquisition courses in the College while the scope of the programmes of the College will be expanded. FREE EDUCATION Contrary to the opinions of sceptics, this government has fully implemented the Free Education programme in the State. Our commitment to the goal of providing our people access to free qualitative education is predicated on an understanding that human capital is the most critical cornerstone to national development and has the capacity of helping to deal with the challenges of poverty, illiteracy and disease. In continuing to invest in our free education policy, we are laying the foundation for economic growth and prosperity. With this in mind, the Free Education programme and other policies of this administration will be appreciated. GLOBAL ECONOMIC CHALLENGES The world continues to face challenges that threaten global peace and stability. At the dawn of the new year, we had witnessed the far reaching political changes that took place in the wake of the Arab spring revolution across the Middle East. For the most part of 2012, the world had seen the consequences of the renewed agitation for people’s right in Syria where, unfortunately, over 30,000 lives have been lost in the course of the conflict. The economic landscape was not spared the turbulence and disequilibrium of economic forces particularly in Europe where the common currency zone saw renewed threats to the Euro. Economic hardships arising from the disruptive effects of increasing public sector debts and the need to adopt austerity measures continued to undermine the economic prosperity of nations such as Greece and Spain, creating in its wake, an increased level of restiveness amongst the people. The Global efforts at combating terrorism continued in 2012, although the world was again to witness the eruption of the age long internecine conflict between Israel and Palestine. As at the time of presenting this speech, efforts were still ongoing to reach a truce and halt hostilities. The current conflict is a reminder to the International Community of the need to renew and sustain global efforts at finding lasting solutions to the conflict given its implications for global peace, stability and economic development. STATE OF THE NIGERIAN NATION For most part of 2012, our country witnessed relative peace and stability although the nation continues to be confronted by the debilitating consequences of the Boko Haram insurgency in most parts of the North. In Imo State and the rest of the South-East and South South, we grappled with the scourge of kidnapping; although this menace got to a frightening dimension in 2010 and 2011, its frequency has drastically reduced ever since in the State. Mr. Speaker, Distinguished Honourable Members, my good people of Imo State, I want to assure all of you that we are making progress to put in place tight security structures that will address the security problems of our dear State. The unemployment situation in the country has remained a big challenge with a large number of fresh graduates from Institutions of Higher Learning joining the job market every year. The situation is further worsened by inadequate power supply which has led to the closure of so many Industries whilst those still in operation continue to struggle under the huge operational costs arising from an inefficient public power supply infrastructure. TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY As a government, we recognize the need to be accountable to Imo Citizens for our actions and shall take all necessary steps to ensure that periodic accounts of our stewardship are rendered to the people. In the course of 2013, we intend to introduce regular Town Hall meetings and media chat sessions during which the activities of the government would be defended before the citizens. We believe that this step would give our citizens access to information on government activities and provide a platform for government to defend its programmes and initiatives. REVIEW OF THE 2012 BUDGET– PURSUING THE RESCUE MISSION Mr. Speaker, Distinguished Members of the Imo State House of Assembly. Before I go into the details of our achievements on Ministry-by-Ministry basis in 2012 let me quickly give a rundown of the performance of this administration in the areas of critical projects across all sectors of the economy. In 2012 we rescued that State from the shame of not having a befitting Government House since its creation and have totally transformed the seat of government to one of the best in Nigeria. We rescued the State from the shame of not having a befitting Office of the First Lady and Deputy Governor, by building the Twin House, one of its kind in Nigeria, including an ultra-modern Banquet Hall, a Press Centre, a World Class Expanded Exco Chambers in honour of the first civilian Governor of the old Imo State, Chief Sam Mbakwe, the Council Chambers in honour of the first military administrator of the State, Commodore Ndubuisi Kanu and other structures. We rescued the State from the shame of not having a befitting Presidential Lodge and VIP guest houses by constructing the Odenigbo Guest House. We rescued the seat of government from not having a place of worship in Government House by embarking on the construction of the 1,000 capacity Blue Chapel to glorify God our creator. We rescued the abandoned Commissioner’s Quarters by remodeling and reconstructing the place into a modern befitting quarters that now provides comfortable accommodation to Commissioners thereby upholding the legacy of late Chief Sam Mbakwe. We rescued the State from the embarrassment of having our children in shanties in the name of schools by embarking on the construction of 305 Ultra-modern, International Standard, 12 classroom blocks elegantly standing on two floors in all the 305 wards of the State, which generation yet unborn will be proud of. So far fifty four (54) of these schools have been completed whilst we expect to have built over 150 of these schools by the end of our second year in office with the rest being completed at the end of the 3rd anniversary of this administration. All for our children to study in conducive learning environment. We rescued the State from the shame of not having a befitting Deputy Governor’s Lodge by remodeling and reconstructing the building into a palatial edifice, making it one of the best Deputy Governor’s Houses in the country. We have embarked on the rescue of the health sector by undertaking the construction of 27 state-of-the-art general hospitals in the 27 Local Government Areas of the State. We are also constructing an ultramodern Diagnostic and Renal Care Center which will be managed by an Israeli Medical Services Group when completed. Upon completion of these hospitals and the diagnostic facilities, we hope to begin the journey of establishing Imo State as a destination for Quality Medicare in Nigeria. We also rescued our children from declining interest in science subjects by building the first ever Young Scientists’ College in the State located at the old IBC premises. We rescued Owerri the Capital City from not having a befitting model school by building the unique modern school now called Owerri City School located at the old Township Primary School on Wetheral Road, Owerri. We rescued the Capital City of Owerri by embarking on massive infrastructural development, including landscaping, dualization of major roads and a face lift for major streets and beautification of major roundabouts in the city. We rescued the State from the shame of renting a liaison office in Abuja for over a decade. We have completed the building abandoned 17 years ago and which has now been transformed into a modern edifice. We have also commenced the building of another edifice within the Liaison Office – A pride for Ndi-Imo. We rescued the Mbari Cultural Centre from imminent collapse by the reconstruction of Mbari Theater and a Cultural Display Center which will transform the complex into a tourist centre. We rescued the State from heavy traffic congestion challenges by constructing a new road in honour of Dee Sam Mbakwe that runs across major parts of the State Capital from the beginning of Orlu and traversing the city and connecting Aba Road and this has reduced congestion within the city. We also embarked on the Construction of Wetheral Road Extension to Aba Road to also help decongest traffic within the city. Also a new road in honour of Chief Achike Udenwa beginning from Assumpta Avenue (near Holy Ghost College Owerri) and connecting to Nekede Road, Owerri is being constructed as part of our elaborate efforts at traffic decongestion. All these projects are ongong and, once completed, traffic congestion in Owerri will be significantly reduced. We rescued Orlu City by breaking the age long jinx of non development by totally transforming the area. My government also awarded contracts for the construction of the “Prince” Hotel Orlu, construction of shopping malls and dualization and construction of all roads in the city to make Orlu a modern city. We rescued Okigwe City by breaking the jinx of non development for decades by a programme of total transformation of the area through the dualization and construction of relevant roads. Award of contract for construction of a five Star Princess Hotel for which 40 percent of the contract sum has been paid would go a long way in providing quality hotel accommodation that is vital to the growth of the tourism industry. Also under construction is a Shopping Mall and a modern Stadium all in our efforts to make Okigwe a modern city. With these we shall no longer sing the age long song of “Obodo nile emepechala ofo ndi Okigwe na Orlu”, literally translated to mean that “every other place has witnessed development with the exception of Okigwe and Orlu”. We rescued the State from the accommodation challenges of Government House Staff by building new staff quarters at the old Ministry of Works, Okigwe Road. We rescued the image of Ndigbo by the construction of Ikemba Ojukwu Centre which contains the Children’s Park, the Imo Hall of Fame, the Heroes Villa, the Multi-Purpose Hall, the Administrative Office and the Heroes Bridge which also serves as a tourist attraction. Ndigbo all over the world are proud and appreciate all of you for the befitting burial you accorded Ikemba. We made our administration truly the people’s government by introducing for the first time, the Freedom Square, which will guarantee freedom of speech and protest within the designated area. The centre which contains the Peoples Embassy, Freedom Park, the White House, International Conference Centre and the Bongo Square, stands conspicuously at the old Imo Hotel along Bank Road, Owerri. We rescued the State from the embarrassment of not having a Centre for major events by constructing the Heroes Square which is comparable to any such development in the country. We rescued the State from the shame of poor road network by embarking on a massive Road Rehabilitation of over 1,000 kilometers of road in the cities of Owerri, Okigwe and Orlu and 27 L.G.As. When completed, these would provide a network of roads that would be the backbone for the transformation of our State. Our roads revolution in the State would be truly appreciated when one realizes that the previous government of Ikedi Ohakim claimed to have constructed only 200km of asphalted road for over N9billion. We rescued the Concorde Hotel built by the administration of late Barr Sam Mbakwe from dilapidation and upgraded the facilities to meet contemporary standards in the hospitality industry. We rescued the Sports Sector and the results are becoming evident with the Heartland Football Club winning the coveted Federation Cup back-to-back in 2011 and 2012. We also renovated the existing stadium and have begun the construction of two new stadia in Orlu and Okigwe. We rescued the Imo Broadcasting Corporation (IBC) by constructing it’s headquarters at it’s abandoned permanent site, providing a 24 hours power supply for the first time in over 20 years, affiliating it with the famous Voice of America, construction of a befitting headquarters for “The Statesman” Newspaper and Government Printing Press all within the same premises. We are hopeful that the provision of these facilities would put these institutions in a better position to discharge their responsibilities to the State and its citizens. We rescued the controversial Oguta Wonderlake Hotel from an elaborate scheme of deception foisted on the people through the internet media and billboards by constructing a brand new Conference Centre and refurbishing the Oguta Motel to international standards. We rescued the Imo State Legislative Quarters abandoned for over thirty (30) years into an Ultra modern apartment complex now called Heroes Apartment. We rescued the comatose Adapalm to a full fledged industry which has already brought into the State coffers the sum of 3.2billion Naira and employed over 2,000 indigenes of the State – this in our considered view, is a giant stride in providing employment opportunities for our teeming youths is a miracle. We rescued the challenges of professionalism among our teeming youths by building the first ever Imo College of Advanced Professional Studies (ICAPs) for training of professionals. We believe that the skills to be acquired by those who would attend this institution would enhance their relevance in the Labour market and improve their chances of getting employed. We rescued the culture of Ndigbo by promoting Igbo Language and Culture through the introduction of first ever traditional parliament in the State. We rescued the State from the shame of not building guest houses for the late Barrister Sam Mbakwe, by building not only a befitting home for him but also building a befitting home for all former Governors like Chief Achike Udenwa, Evan Enwerem and Ikedi Ohakim, as provided for by the laws of Imo State. We provided 100 fully equipped pickup vehicles to the Police, Army and SSS to enhance their operational capability and enable them win the battle against criminals. We restored the pride of our people in agriculture by launching the back- to-land programme to unlock the agricultural potentials of the State and make our people self sufficient in food production. I want to thank all of you for the plant-a-palm programme of this administration, which we hope shall contribute to the economic well-being of our people. We are rescuing the fallen standard of education by ensuring that every school has enough trained teachers as against the situation of the past when our schools had a student teacher ratio of 1:140. For the first time in the history of the State, Head Teachers and Principals have received N200,000 (Two hundred thousand Naira) as imprest to enable them cater to the minor needs of their schools. We made provision for free uniforms, school desks and even bursary to approximately 750,000 children which has led to over 100 percent increase in enrollment of students in the State since we assumed office eighteen months ago, thereby reinforcing our record as the No. 1 State in Education throughout the Country. We rescued Imo State University from imminent collapse by increasing their subvention by over 200 percent. The University now receives a monthly subvention of N252million as against N57million monthly being paid by the Ikedi Ohakim administration when this administration took over. Our goodwill has also brought the famous Layola Jesuit University to the State with a campus to be located at Ngor Okpala. This will bring enhanced development to Ngor Okpala and make our State the destination for quality University Education in Nigeria. We rescued the Imo State University Teaching Hospital from imminent collapse and failure to graduate its Medical Students. We have also increased their subvention by almost 100 percent from 54million Naira to 95million Naira, thus putting the institution in a better position to fulfill its mandate. This is in addition to the completion of all abandoned projects and the installation of MRI machines bought by the administration of former Governor Achike Udenwa but which were left to rot for over four years. As we speak, the hospital is now a beehive of activities. Our goodwill has brought to the good people of Imo State the first Imo European University located in Ogboko Ideato South Local Government Area. This was the site proposed for the permanent site of Imo State University which was subsequently aborted. These will address the University admission challenges faced by Imo children and improve access to tertiary education opportunities to Imo citizens. We rescued the State from non payment of the CONMES, CONHESS salary package to doctors and CONTISS and CONUASS to lecturers which many States are still grappling with. We rescued the poor masses by the introduction of Health-at-Your-Door Step and carrying out preventive checks for diabetes, high blood pressure, at no cost to our people. We rescued Missionary Schools by approving N450million Naira grant to the schools. 50 percent of this amount has already been paid. We rescued poor parents from the agony of paying school fees by declaring Free Education in Primary, Secondary and University levels (for Imo Citizens in our State-owned institutions), the first of its kind in Nigeria, an indirect way of empowering the poor parents who will use the resources otherwise expended on school fees for other purposes. We rescued the State from the reckless spending by past administrations by renegotiating some contracts awarded by the Ohakim administration and saving up to N5.7billion for the State in the process. We rescued our poor Pensioners from years of neglect and non-payment of their pensions for periods of between two and twelve years which we have now paid. In the same vein, my administration has commenced the payment of gratuities which were inherited from the previous administrations. We rescued the State from the absence of the activities of the local communities in our governance systems by introducing the Community Government Council which allows for grassroots participation in governance. We have re-defined democracy as government of the people, by the people, for the people, and with the people. We rescued the State from the ridicule of non-payment of minimum wage by paying not just the 18, 000 Naira prescribed by the Federal Government but increased the minimum wage of Imo Workers to 20,000 Naira, the first of its kind in Nigeria. We motivated Imolites to walk with pride and dignity the world over by our verifiable achievements with one year in power, a feat not equalled by any administration since the creation of the State. We transformed the look of our civil servants as they now look elegant in their new attire, giving them the needed confidence to move the State forward. We sacrificed by giving back to the State over four billion Naira of the Governor’s security vote which is now judiciously utilized for free education in our State. Our legacy projects like Imo Towers of 1,000 Housing Units targeted at high networth individuals and our citizens in the diaspora, the Ecumenical Centre known as “Amarachi” and the Magnificent Towers known as “Akachi”, the Five Star Crystal Hotel, Ultra-modern Shopping Malls, Multi level Car Parks, the Ultra-modern Judiciary Headquarters, all designed to put Imo State in the Guinness Book of Records. At present 40 percent of the contract sum for these projects has been paid. And when my tenure is over in Imo State, we would have set standards of performance in governance that would make it difficult for those without the credentials for leadership to aspire to be governor of Imo State. This would hopefully bring the era of godfatherism in politics to an end. The 2012 Budget of Imo State effectively became operational in July 1, 2012. This was as a result of the circumstance occasioned by overflow of projects and programmes of 2011 into 2012. The budget of 2011 was therefore extended to 30th June 2013. Here again, I must extend my sincere gratitude to this Honourable House for your clear understanding of the peculiar circumstance of the State under the 2011 budget. I want to note that you were quick to appreciate the situation and accordingly passed into law the bill for the extension of the 2011 budget period and the second Supplementary Estimates. I salute your sense of understanding in the overall philosophy of the present administration under the Rescue Mission. It is clear that the focus and direction of this administration is no more in doubt. It is obvious that we all know where we are going and I believe we are prepared to get there. Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, please permit me to present to you the performance of the 2012 budget. During the 2012 fiscal year, our State operated a budget of N178,638,052,392. The details are as follows: RECURRENT REVENUE N92,516,692,907 CAPITAL RECEIPT N86,121,359,485 RECURRENT EXPENDITURE N51,560,418,272 CAPITAL EXPENDITURE N127,077,634,120 This figure is higher than the 2011 budget by N57,180,142,013 or 47.08%. FISCAL PERFORMANCE OF 2012 BUDGET RECURRENT REVENUE The Actual Recurrent Revenue performance as at September 30, 2012 stood at N43,517,091,297 of the total projected Recurrent Revenue of N92,516,692,907 for the period under review. The details are as follows:- INTERNALLY GENERATED REVENUE N7,124,171,571 STATE’S SHARE OF THE FEDERATION ACCOUNT N25,802,753,556 VALUE ADDED TAX N5,870,139,694 EXCESS CRUDE/SOVEREIGN WEALTH FUND N131,739,480 13% DERIVATION N4,378,499,956 ECOLOGICAL FUND - REFUND ON RURAL ELECTRIFICATION - NDDC REFUND - BUDGET AUGMENTATION & ADJUSTMENT N 209,787,040 ,, RECURRENT EXPENDITURE The actual Recurrent Expenditure as at September 30, 2012 was N24,458,976,704 or 47.4% of the total projected Recurrent Expenditure of N51,560,418,272 for the period under review. The details are shown below: BUDGETED ACTUAL %PERFORMANCE PERSONNEL COST: N9,325,724,847 N6,726,459,997 72.13 SUBVENTION: N12,555,355,058 N7,786,221,429 62.02 OVERHEAD COST: N12,377,567,576 N4,909,361,307 39.66 CONSOLIDATED REVENNUE FUND CHARGES: N17,301,770,792 N5,036,933,971 29.11 TRANSFER TO CAPITAL FUND WAS: N40,956,274,635 N19,058,114,593 46.53 CAPITAL RECEIPTS: The Actual Capital Receipts as at the end of September 30, 2012 was N22,609,949,694 against the projected sum of N86,121,359,485 for the period. The details are as follows: BUDGETED ACTUAL %PERFORMANCE INTERNAL LOAN N66,761,279,485 N18,816,550,001 28.18 DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS N4,493,500,000 N2,362,936,847 52.59 GRANTS N1,154,580,000 N30,462,846 2.64 DIRECT FUNDING N13,712,000,000 N1,400,000,000 10.21 MISCELLANEOUS - - - CAPITAL EXPENDITURE The total Capital Expenditure performance as at September 30, 2012 was N5,901,134,438 representing 4.64% of total Capital Expenditure projection of N127,077,634,120. The details are as follows: BUDGETED ACTUAL %PERFORMANCE ECONOMIC SECTOR N40,596,571,167 N3,188,262,887 7.85 SOCIAL SERVICES SECTOR N56,790,393,253 N38,000,000 0.07 ADMIN. SERVICES SECTOR N11,252,805,724 N1,222,021,525 10.86 ISOPADEC N3,091,688,163 N1,304,850,026 42.21 NDDC N10,516,220,356 - - COUNTERPART FUND N 4,829,955,457 N148,000,000 3.06 SECTORAL REVIEW OF 2012 BUDGET RECURRENT REVENUE The State received a total Statutory Allocation of N25,802,753,556 for the period – January to September 30th, 2012 which represents 47.15% of the total Statutory Allocation projection of N54,722,803,734. Also, the State received a total sum of N5,870,139,694 from the Value Added Tax (VAT) within the period under review. This represents 74.27% of the total Value Added Tax projection of N7,903,543,280. In addition to the foregoing, Excess Crude/Sovereign Wealth Fund obtained by the State from January to September 2012 was N131,739,480 while N4,378,499,956 was received from the 13% Derivation Fund. This shows 61.13% of N7,162,013,081 projected from this source. The revenue generated from internal sources for the period January to September, 2012 was N7,124,171,571. This represents 69.94% of the total Internally Generated Revenue projection of N10,186,117,943. AGRICULTURE In 2012 fiscal year, government revived some of the State-Owned Companies in the Agricultural Sub-sector of the economy. Adapalm Limited which is presently known as Imo Palm Plantation Ltd has been revived while Imo Modern Poultry, Avutu and Imo Rubber Company Limited at Obiti, Emeabiam and Umuekwune are at various stages of reactivation. These Companies will create over 5,000 jobs for Imo youths. Government established and commissioned a number of medium scale cassava processing factories in the State. We trained more than 150 youths in various fields of Agriculture. The Cassava intervention programme of this Administration called “Back-to-Land” programme aimed at establishing 5-10 hectares of cassava farms in the 27 Local Government Areas of the State has commenced with ADP identifying the sites. Under the FADAMA III project, government empowered over 200 FADAMA user groups and FADAMA Community Associations. We funded over 620 such projects like poultries, fish ponds, piggeries, oil mills, cassava processing machines, snailries, lock-up shops, farm implements, etc. Also, we raised about 370,000 sprouted nuts which are now ready for distribution to Imo farmers. The process of replicating Imo Palm Plantation in other Local Government Areas of Imo State has fully commenced with investors in the State. In a bid to enhance palm oil production in our State, Government embarked on the execution of oil palm transformation project in partnership with some Italian investors. The project will not only boost the palm oil production in Imo State, but will also assist in building industries that will create massive employment opportunities for the teeming Imo youths. The project will equally replace the existing oil palm trees in our farms in the Communities that have grown wild, too tall, become aged and with low yield. PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT In line with its mandate to support the planning and development initiatives within the governance process, the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development in 2012 carried out the following major activities:- (i) Prepared and published the State’s 4 Year Rescue Development Plan (2012-2015). This Plan is in line with the focus and Agenda of the present Administration to transform the State. (ii) Collaborated with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to conduct intensive training of Statisticians and relevant officers that will mann the State Statistical Agency. (iii) Reviewed the National Vision 20:2020 Implementation Plan covering the period (2010-2013) on the State Input. This activity assisted the State in the articulation of the (2012-2015) Rescue Development Plan. (iv) Coordinated the review of 2011 Annual Work Plan of United Nation Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF II) and produced 2012-2013 Annual Work Plan for the State. (v) Prepared and produced the State Statistical Master Plan. (vi) The State through Donor Agencies attracted the sum of N30,462,846 (Thirty million, four hundred and sixty two thousand, eight hundred and forty six Naira) under various UNDAF programmes. (vii) Furthermore, during the year the sum of N2,362,936,847 (Two billion, three hundred and sixty two million, nine hundred and thirty six thousand, eight hundred and forty seven Naira) was recorded as inflow under World Bank Programmes in the State. PETROLEUM AND ENVIRONMENT In the year under review, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and its partner reached a Final Investment decision to locate a $3.8billion Gas Processing Facility in Imo State. The project, a joint venture between Shell and Chevron, is to be located at Assa North in Ohaji/Egbema LGA. On completion, the plant will create job opportunities for the teaming youths in the State as well as providing the impetus for the establishment of a number of associated Industries in the State. It will also guarantee that Gas is available and affordable for both domestic and industrial use as well as provide sustainable livelihood for the host community and environs. Imo State Government welcomes this development and shall provide the required support to ensure that this project is realized on a timely basis. Plans are also under way to train and empower Imo youths from the oil producing areas in Imo State through a number of Skills Acquisition Programmes. We have amicably settled several lingering conflicts existing between some Oil producing Communities and the Oil Companies. This has brought relative peace to the Communities. In order to effectively control Erosion and flood in Imo State, we undertook the Engineering Designs of five Erosion Sites in the State. These projects have been approved by the World Bank. With this, the State has met all the World Bank requirements for the take-off of the erosion control project. I am glad to inform you that this exercise shall commence soon. In line with the initiative to check deforestation in the State, we have, in collaboration with the Federal Government, raised a total of 1,450,000 seedlings of various species of both forest trees and indigenous fruit trees so as to meet the planting choice of the various Communities in Imo State. The public has been informed to collect these Seedlings from the Ministry of Petroleum and Environment at no cost. HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Housing is one of the most important basic necessities of life. The State has accordingly increased the pace of infrastructural development in the Housing sector. In this regard, Government in 2012 fiscal year embarked on the execution of a number of Housing projects in the following estates and layouts: (a) Nekede Exclusive Garden Phase II, Area “H” New Owerri (b) Okporo Housing Estate, Orlu (c) Orlu Road Housing Estate at Orlu Road Secretariat, Owerri (d) Avu/Obinze Layout (e) Diaspora Village. The diaspora village is a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) under which state of the art Houses as obtainable in overseas will be built at a designated area in the State. This will encourage Imo Citizens in the diaspora to own homes in the State in a relatively hassle-free manner given the unwholesome experiences some of them have had to go through in the past to own homes in Nigeria. Government has already acquired land at Ogbaku and Azaraobiato for the diaspora village and other housing projects. We equally embarked on the construction of; (1) 7 Floor Ultra Modern Judiciary Complex at New Owerri (2) 8 Block of 15 Storey apartment in New Owerri (3) A 5 Star Hotel, Monumental Tower, an Empirical Church Centre, a Super Shopping Mall with Cinema and Theatre and Airport Terminal at Imo Airport. Others are the construction of Bongo Square, Peoples’ Embassy, Hero’s Square, Odenigbo Lodge, etc. LANDS AND URBAN PLANNING In the fiscal year under review, Government acquired plots of land from the native land owners and paid compensation as applicable. In this respect about N245m has been paid to Land owners in 2012. This has brought relative peace to the Communities involved thereby giving room for the parcellation and allocation of plots of land as well as their subsequent physical development. Government also embarked on the following: (a) Grading of 23no. Roads in Housing Area “W” (b) Electrification (Phase I) of Housing Area “V” (c) Establishment of Imo Geographic Information Agency (IGIA) (d) Designing of Egbu/Naze Timber and Allied Market Approach Layout (e) Redesigning of fallow spaces in Housing Areas B, C, E, F and G (f) Review of Commercial District “G” (g) Parcellation surveys of Secretariat Extension Layout, new Market layout and Housing Area W. COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY In 2012, Government gave a mandate to the Standard Shoe Company Ltd to produce 200,000 pairs of shoes and bags for both Primary and Secondary Schools in the State for the next academic session. This is in line with our programme to reposition the Shoe Industry. Plans are also underway to divest part of the government’s interest in the Standard Shoe Company Ltd and allow the Italian Partners a majority stake in the company. We have also approved the resuscitation of Imo Tiles Company Ltd., Nsu and the relocation of Ekeukwu Owerri Market to Government Technical School (GTC) along Egbu Road. The essence of this is to decongest the area, so as to pave way for easy flow of traffic along Douglas Road. In the course of the year, we undertook the Ground Breaking Ceremony of the 58.142 hectares of land cleared for the purpose of setting up a Building materials market, Trailer park and 100 Housing Units at Mgbidi, Nworieubi, Ahaira, Akokwa, Anara and Okpala. EDUCATION Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, it is my pleasure to inform this Honourable House that during the year under focus, we expanded the scope of the free education programme of this administration by including students of Imo State origin in tertiary institutions owned by the State government in the programme. In this regard, we paid N100,000 each to Imo Indigenes who are students of Imo State University and N80,000 to those at the Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo. We also sustained the payment of quarterly bursary allowances of N500 to Secondary School Students and N300 to Primary School Pupils. This is aimed at attracting and keeping them in school; while at the same time assisting them to have some refreshments while at school. We have equally sustained the payment of bursary allowances to handi-capped scholars and other indigent students. During the year, government embarked on the construction of 305 Unit of modern school blocks of 12 classrooms each in all the 305 electoral wards in the State. This translates to 3,660 modern classrooms which would be fully equipped for the use of our Children. We completed the establishment of three new Secondary Schools and these include City College Owerri, Young Scientists’ College, Owerri and Umunwama Girl’s Secondary School at Izombe to decongest Schools following rising enrolment figures currently being recorded as a result of the free qualitative education in the State. As a part of our Free Education programme, government procured and distributed school desks, chairs, uniforms, bags and sandals to over 200,000 Secondary School Students spread across the 273 Secondary Schools in the State. To empower the school authorities in the running of our schools, the sum of N200,000 was released to each secondary school in the State to enable them procure basic teaching items as well as undertake minor repairs with the schools. In order to reduce the level of unemployment in the State and improve the quality of Teaching in our Schools, we employed over 1,500 Teachers during the period under review. It is our hope that this would improve the Teacher: Pupil ratio in our school system and make the learning experience more rewarding and effective for our children. CULTURE AND TOURISM During the year under review, government renovated the Imo Concorde Hotel. The rooms were upgraded to International Standard with modern state of the art facilities. We also commenced construction of a Conference Hall at the Imo Blue Lake of Treasure Oguta. The essence of these projects is to boost tourism in the State in the short run and generally improve the local investment environment. We equally built, equipped and commissioned the Imo Children’s Park located opposite the Imo Concorde Hotel. TRANSPORT AND AVIATION In this sub-sector, government re-introduced the culture of routine vehicle checks by Vehicle Inspection Officer (VIO’s). This practice has been abandoned for over two decades in our transport system. This has reduced the number of rickety vehicles on our roads. With this, pollution and accidents have reduced. We also transformed the operations of the Imo Transport Company (ITC) Ltd by appointing a new management group to handle its affairs. Government equally refurbished and rebranded the Imo State Mass Transit Scheme (IMTS) with a view to ensuring that it renders better services to the traveling public. In order to ensure free flow of traffic in the State, this administration established the Imo State Traffic Management Agency (ISTMA). This Agency is charged with the responsibility of sanitizing the States traffic system and making driving in the State a more pleasurable experience. HEALTH Health is Wealth and a healthy State is a wealthy State. In order to provide sound health care service to our people, Government in 2012 fiscal year undertook the following programmes in the Health Sub-Sector; (a) Establishment of World Class Diagnostic and Dialysis Centre. The contract for this project has been signed with an Israeli Company. The implementation has attained an advanced stage. (b) Building and equipping of 27 new General Hospitals in the 27 Local Government Areas of the State. The hospitals will operate at enhanced standards comparable to what obtains in the western world. This will turn Imo State into the Health Care destination of Nigerians, our neighbours and patrons from outside Nigeria. (c) Rationalization of all General Hospitals in the State bringing the number down to 11 (eleven). The rationalization exercise was aimed at ensuring that available resources are optimally utilized and that our health care delivery system is improved for the benefit of the people. (d) Reactivation of the Imo State University Teaching Hospital, which is now experiencing improved patronage because of modern Healthcare facilities newly installed in the hospital. Government also purchased 54 ambulances which will be used to manage health care emergencies in the Imo State Health System network. We commenced definite action on the development of pharmaceutical warehouses in the State in order to ensure procurement of drugs direct from manufacturers. This will ensure the availability of genuine and cheap drugs in our healthcare system and equally reduce the cost of healthcare services in the State. We launched the Health-at-your-Door Step programme designed to provide enlightenment, screening, assistance and information on common health conditions; both Communicable and non Communicable that have caused serious mortality and morbidity to the populace. This administration as well increased the tempo of preventive Health Care activities in immunization, nutrition awareness, HIV/AIDS campaigns, malaria prevention and treatment efforts. WORKS The works sub-sector occupies a pride of place as the pivot on which the economic and social advancement of the State’s economy revolves as it provides the infrastructural services in the areas of road construction as well as fire safety services to the State. In the 2012 fiscal year, we recorded substantial achievements in the provision of all-season motorable roads in the State. We awarded over 250 road projects of 600km length. A total of 40.193km lengths of these roads were asphalted. The rest of the 560km lengths of the roads are at various stages of completion. These are in addition to the over 405km rural roads being constructed by the 27 Local Government Councils in the State. In all, we paid N16billion on various road contracts in the State during the period. The roads are shown in the table below according to zones. S/No. Zones Length of Roads Awarded 1. Owerri 200km 2. Okigwe 100km 3. Orlu 300km Total 600km In addition to the above, we procured essential ancillary fire-fighting equipment such as fire fighting hoses, mechanical foam concentrate, hand control branches and in-line inductors foam making branches. With the new firefighting equipment, government was able to save many lives as well as prevent the destruction of property. Also, we drilled 1no. Solar energy powered borehole at the Owerri Fire Station to ensure uninterrupted supply of water for fire fighting. INFORMATION AND STRATEGY Realizing that proper and fast dissemination of information particularly information about government activities is necessary, Government gave the State owned TV-Radio Station, IBC a face lift. This was done by embarking on the construction of Evan Enwerem Studio/Administration Complex within the IBC premises. It was designed to accommodate the main studio, control room, editing room, FM recording room, news production and TV recording room of the Imo Broadcasting Corporation. Some other buildings are already being erected at the premises of IBC with a view to relocating the Imo Newspapers and the State-Owned Printing Press. We also provided the Corporation with a 500KVA generating set to compliment power supply from PHCN and ensure optimum performance. Government took steps to establish an Event Centre within the IBC premises where various activities which including exhibitions of all kinds will take place. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) had already been entered into with a contracting firm for its construction. PUBLIC UTILITIES AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT In this sub sector, Government in 2012 fiscal year reactivated the Otamiri Water Works to enhance water supply to Owerri and its environs. In order to provide Civil Servants the conducive environment for higher productivity, we are presently renovating the water supply system in the State Secretariat. We installed and energized transformers at Area “V” New Owerri. Apart from the above, we carried out routine maintenance of existing street lights in Owerri Urban and extended power supply to Heroes Square and Ikemba Ojukwu Convention Centre, Owerri. YOUTH AND SPORTS In this sub-sector, government sponsored five Youth Development Officers to the Value Re-orientation workshop organized by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development in Enugu. We also sponsored three members of the State Youth Parliament for the National Youth Parliament at Abuja. We renovated and upgraded the Dan Anyiam Stadium to International Standard such that it is now capable of hosting both National and International matches. We have equally acquired land for the building of an Ultra-modern Orlu Township Stadium as well as renovated the indoor sports Hall of Dan Anyiam Stadium for camping of athletes preparing for major sporting events. Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, we are all aware of the exploits of Heartland Football Club in the 2012 FA Cup competition and the National league. It on record that for the first time in the history of Imo State, a football club won the FA trophy for two consecutive years (2011 and 2012). This achievement is an eloquent testimony to the resolve of this administration to ensure that Sports and Youth development continue to play their roles effectively in the development of our State. WOMEN AFFAIRS AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT You are aware that issues about Women, Children the Special Citizens are always given priority by my administration. During the period under review, we organized and hosted the year 2012 International Day for the Elderly and sponsored six blind candidates of Imo State origin who were nominated for training at the Farm Craft Centre for the Blind at Ikeja, Lagos State. We also sent 20 persons whose relations applied for their rehabilitation services to the State Rehabilitation Centre, Umuneke Ngor and sustained regular spot-checks of Lunatics/Destitutes within the major streets of the capital city in readiness for their evacuation to rehabilitation Centres. Government equally established the State Family Court and in collaboration with UNICEF organized several training programmes for Children on Child Protection network in the State. We legalized the International Adoption of 31 babies and 42 local ones during the period. GENERAL ADMINISTRATION Under this sector, government recorded unprecedented achievements in the year under review. Of special note is the fact that out of over 50 projects started in 2012 fiscal year, more than 50% of them were completed, while the rest are at various stages of completion. The State’s Government House is wearing an impressive modern look with the complete construction of some of its structures, while most of the projects have attained over 80% completion. Some of the projects are:- (i) The New Multi-purpose Hall now renamed Sam Mbakwe Chambers. (ii) New Executive Council Chambers now called Ndubuisi Kanu Council Chambers. (iii) New Government House Chapel. (iv) New Government House Banquet Hall. Other remarkable achievements include construction of a network of roads within Government House; rehabilitation of Police Headquarters Road, Mosque Road, Government House access Road and Odenigbo Guest House. Government also carried out the construction of new offices for the Deputy Governor and Her Excellency, The First Lay as well as the Heroes Villa and Ikemba Ojukwu Convention Centre. These are aimed at immortalizing the Late Igbo Hero – Ikemba Odimegwu Ojukwu. The construction of eight storey office building at the Liaison Office, Abuja is in progress. SECURITY SERVICES In other to secure lives and property in the State, we met with Local Government vigilante co-ordinators to appraise and re-strategize on crime prevention in the State and also reviewed and reinvigorated the activities of the former Imo Vigilante now Imo State Security network through intensive gorilla/combat training to fit into the present security challenges. Government as well embarked on the following within the period under review: (a) Secured and installed emergency security response telephone lines and equipment called quick Intervention lines (QIL) to receive distress calls from the public. (b) Conceptualization of the lockdown mechanism security solution and construction of gates in major cities of Imo State to effect a lockdown in the event of adverse situation. (c) We set up a rapid response squad to address immediate pressing security challenges. These measures have helped to reduce crime rates in the State. IMO STATE RURAL WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION AGENCY In this area, Government in 2012 fiscal year continued the implementation of Statewide Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector investment plan and completed the enumeration of WASH facilities and the process of data entry and analysis from the 27 LGAs on the facilities. We completed the sinking of motorized boreholes at the School of Nursing, Ehime Mbano. A Community-led total sanitation exercise is on-going in the 24 Local government areas of the State. We also conducted the step down training of trainers’ workshop on Community-led total sanitation facilitation in 256 Communities in Imo State. POVERTY ALLEVIATION In order to reduce extreme poverty and improve the standard of living of families in Imo State, Government trained 600 youths and women in Computer Appreciation. It is envisaged that additional 200 youths and women will commence another round of training before the end of this year. Presently, 180 persons are undergoing training in the following skills; Hair barbing, hair dressing, Catering/Continental and Inter-Continental Dishes, Cosmetology, Polythene cutting and sealing, hat/Bread making, Fashion Designing and Entrepreneurial Studies. To realize these programmes/projects, government engaged the services of 15 professional trainers and sunk a borehole within the premises of Bureau of Poverty Alleviation to take care of the water needs of the trainees and the entire staff of the Bureau. IMO ORIENTATION PROGRAMME Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, you already know that the driving force of the “Rescue Mission” Agenda is that Imo must be Better. This translates to a far reaching change in all aspects of life in Imo State. By extension, The Public Service must Be Better, Infrastructure Must be Better and Civic Response Ability must be Better. To this end, we fashioned a Public Service Attitudinal Change Campaign tagged “SMART” which stands for Simple, Moral, Accountability, Responsive and Transparency. The relevant State agencies have been mandated to actively sensitize the citizens on the tenets of this campaign. IMO FOUNDATION The foundation is the charity organ of the State Government and it was designed to reach out and bring succor to the down trodden and vulnerable members of the State. In the year under review, the foundation effectively organized and co-ordinated 2no. free medical programmes in which over 11,000 patients received free treatments ranging from eye surgeries to other complicated medical conditions. It also paid medical bills for 15 patients detained by some hospitals for inability to settle their medical bills. Besides, the foundation assisted some stranded Imo Citizens overseas to pay their school fees. Today, one of them is a Master’s Degree Holder in Bio-medical Engineering while one of the female beneficiaries is about to graduate in Medicine and Surgery in Ukraine. Furthermore, about 2,000 widows of Imo State origin whose husbands were killed through various disturbances in the North were empowered with cash gifts and other items for rehabilitation by the foundation. The foundation also co-ordinated the importation and donation of 17 containers full of books for the Free Education policy of this administration. It also facilitated the provision of a 2 bedroom bungalow for each of two indigent persons in Obowo and Njaba LGAs. It equally rented apartments for 4no. homeless families in the State. THE MAYORAL OFFICES In my maiden budget speech presented before this hallowed chamber, I did inform you that the mayoral office was one of the innovative ideas introduced by this administration to fast track development in the three zones of the State. Government within the period under review embarked on massive infrastructural development and execution of monumental projects in the mayoral areas. These include road construction, establishment of five Star Hotel, construction of monumental roundabouts, security gates, 15no. one bedroom bungalows for the homeless among numerous others. THE LEGISLATURE The Legislature serves as a catalyst in the State’s system as it provides the enabling legal instruments and resolutions that promote positive development. Within the year under review, this Honourable House did tremendously well and infact lived up to expectation. I want to thank you for granting approval for me to declare a State of Emergency on Road rehabilitation, Education, Health, Housing, Security and other critical areas which needed attention. It is on record that in the 2012 fiscal year, you passed into Law some people-oriented bills and also intervened and settled communal crisis in various Communities in the State. I want to commend you for these positive achievements, interventions and many more. JUDICIARY Within the year under review, we established the Fairness and Justice Department in the Ministry of Justice. This has helped to bring fairness and justice to the door steps of Imo citizens. Thus, Justice is not only done but seen to have been done. We visited and secured bail for some accused persons in police custody whose minor offences were unnecessarily delayed. We settled several disputes between landlords and tenants, land disputes and disputes which related to debt recovery. In addition to the above, Government completed a one storey Court building at the headquarters of the Judiciary, High Court Owerri. We achieved 75% completion of the Customary Court of Appeal permanent site complex and 95% completion of the burnt Customary Court of Appeal building. SUMMARY OF 2013 BUDGET Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, a budget size of N195,743,684,031 is proposed for the 2013 fiscal year. Out of this amount, 32.47% (N63,560,209,564) is allocated to Recurrent Expenditure, while 67.53% (N132,183,474,467) is allocated to Capital Expenditure. Our Revenue projection from recurrent sources for 2013 is N93,889,888,530 and Capital Receipt is N101,853,795,501. RECURRENT REVENUE As indicated already, the total projected Recurrent Revenue for 2013 from all sources is N93,889,888,530 and it consists of the following: S/N DETAILS 2013 2012 % DIFFERENCE 1.Share Federal Allocation 54,401,151,342. 54,722,803,734. (0.59) 2.Internally Generated Revenue 13,375,850,024 10,186,117,943 31.25 3.Value Added Tax (VAT) 8,410,456,283 7,903,543,280 6.4 4.Excess Crude Fund 8,242,430,881 8,142,214,869 1.22 5.13% Derivation Fund 6,860,000,000 7,162,011,081 (4.22) 6.Ecological Fund 700,000,000 700,000,000 0 7.Refund on Rural Electrification - - - 8.NDDC Refund 1,000,000,000 2,800,000,000 (64.29) 9.Interest on Bond Transfer 900,000,000 900,000,000 0 Total 93,889,888,530 92,516,692,907 - SECTORAL ALLOCATION OF CAPITAL BUDGET SECTOR ALLOCATION % CAPITAL ALLOCATION Economic Sector 59,171,065,600 47.29 Social Services Sector 27,817,401,067 22.23 General Administration 38,140,371,682 30.48 Total 125,128,838,349 100 CAPITAL RECEIPTS The total projected Capital Receipt is N109,847,600,890 and it is made up of the following: S/N DETAILS 2013 2012 % DIFFERENCE 1.Internal Loans 81,753,063,163 66,761,279,485 22.46 2.Development Partners Inter-vention 86,500,000 4,493,500,000 (98.08) 3.Grants 1,154,580,000 1,154,580,000 0.00 4.Direct Funding 13,836,181,700 13,712,000,000 0.9 5. Miscellaneous 5,023,470,638 - - Total Capital Receipts 109,403,348,603 86,121,359,485 27.03 MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2013 BUDGET ECONOMIC SECTOR The Economic Sector is made up the following; Agriculture, Petroleum and Environment, Housing, Lands, Commerce and Industry, Works, Transport, Public utilities and Rural Development. The total allocation to this sector is N59,171,065,600 representing 47.29% of the total capital budget. AGRICULTURE Agriculture is critical to World economy. We shall continue to pursue polices and programmes aimed at revamping the agricultural sector after several decades of neglect in our deliberate efforts to contribute to Nigeria’s food security agenda. In view of the foregoing, in the 2013 fiscal year, government will embark on robust programmes which are aimed at boosting agricultural activities and food production in the State. We will launch Imo State as a major producer and exporter of food in the country. This will be in the areas of rice, livestock, fish, vegetable and fruits, poultry, cassava, oil palm production, among others. The State will further strengthen the Palm-for-Palm Programme which is aimed at bringing back our lost glory as the foremost Oil Palm producer in the whole world. PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT In the year 2013, it is expected that the sum of $2,368,490 which is equivalent to N378,958,400 will be attracted to the State under the United Nation Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF II) Plan. The State will also conclude the take off of the Imo State Statistical Agency with appropriate Information Technology Equipment and State of the art Office Accommodation. The primary purpose of this project is to create a robust and reliable Data Bank as well as implant a virile data collection system in the State. PETROLEUM AND ENVIRONMENT In 2013 fiscal year, Government will embark on the execution of programmes, targeted at stabilizing all Gully Erosion sites across the State. We will restore all amenable and abandoned erosion sites and enforce management practices geared towards preventing/minimizing incidences of erosion and other ecological problems in the State. We will also vigorously pursue and fully implement the State-wide plastic wastes recovery/recycling programme. In summary, Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, we will intensify efforts and strategies towards rescuing the Imo Environment from continued degradation. LANDS, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Land resource administration and management will be effectively and efficiently managed in the 2013 fiscal year. Housing is one of the basic necessities of life. In 2013, in order to address the housing need of Imolites, government will embark on the construction of 1,000 housing units of various categories for Imo citizens. COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY