The Executive Chairman of Itu Local Government Area, Hon. Barr. Etetim Onuk on Friday presented a budget proposal of N2.331,000,000.00 billion (Two Billion, Three Hundred and Thirty-one Million Naira) for the 2018 fiscal year to the Local Government Legislative Council.
Presenting the budget, Barr. Onuk said out of the total amount, N701 million was for capital expenditure while recurrent expenditure stands at N1.630 billion. He said the 2018 budget proposal represented 11.44℅ reduction when compared to the 2017 budget, stressing that despite recessionary impact on the economy, and the dwindling revenue from the Federation Account, which he said affects the implementation of capital projects and policies, the administration is making efforts to ensure regular payments of salaries and other entitlements, as well fund charges obligations to political office holders, primary school teachers salaries and traditional ruler funding.
The Council helmsman said the 2018 budget christened ‘Budget of Renewal and Restoration’ would give priority to; poverty Elimination/alleviation, Job creation, infrastructural renaissance, wealth creation, social reorientation, security and all round inclusiveness, which he said would complement the state Government’s 5-point agenda. He said the 2018 budget proposal underscores the importance the present administration attaches to the development of Itu Local Government Area.
Onuk observed that presenting the budget in the last quarter of the year is founded upon the ratification of 2017 Transition budget by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly in the last quarter of 2017, and that the implementation was meant to expire in the third quarter of 2018, describing the presentation as timely and assured the Local Government’s Legislature of a timely presentation of the 2019 budgetary proposal, in order to achieve the traditional January to December Budget, even as he called for sustained collaboration between both arms of governance in the Council.
In his remarks, the Leader, Itu Local Government Legislative Council, Hon. Barr. Bassey Bassey assured that in line with their sworn duty, the Honourable Councillors would ensure due diligence and speedy passage of the budget. He also assured that the legislative arm would ensure sustained cordial working relationship with the other arms of government in the Local Government and bring Democratic dividends closer to the people.
Thereafter, the proposal was committed to the Committee on Finance and Appropriation, for futher deliberations.
Meanwhile, the Executive Chairman of Itu Local Government Area; Hon. Barr. Etetim Onuk has stated that the Council has not increased levies neither has it authorized the introduction of new ones. He made the declaration at the market on Wednesday afternoon while addressing traders at Etaha Itam market who were on a peaceful demonstration to express their displeasure over issues relating to ticketing within the market.
Barr. Onuk who said the Local Government already has an approved and moderate levies, argued that any increase in taxes or introduction of new levies is not authorized by the Local Government administration and urged them to report attempt by anyone or group of person to extort money from them to the authorities, adding that such attempt should be resisted. He posited that the Council only operates through authorized and verifiable agents, therefore, any ticket not duly authorized by the Council is fake.
He used the opportunity to solicit for their continued support for the Udom led People’s Democratic Party (PDP) administration and Itu Local Government Council and pledged to continually collaborate with traders in diverse way to move the State forward.
Furthermore, the Council Boss who was accompanied by his Vice, Mrs. Emem Ekpanya and Secretary, Prince Samuel Essien proposed for a meeting with a delegation from the market on Monday next week, with a view to properly educate them on the authorized taxations, even as he commended the traders for conducting themselves in and orderly and peacefully manner and assured them of his continued support and cooperation.
Speaking on behalf of the women, the women leader, Etaha Itam market, Mrs. Inyang Samuel Udoh thanked the Chairman for his prompt response to the situation adding that it is a reflection of his respect for traders and appealed to him to help stem the tide of illegal levies on traders in the market.
Another Trader, simply identified as Mma Bassey rued the exploitation and harassment of traders by scrupulous elements which prompted them them to cry out to the government to come to their aid. She appealed to the Local Government Chairman to ensure the authorized levies are clearly spelt out to avoid further incidents.
In another development, Executive Chairman of Itu Local Government Area; Hon. Barr. Etetim Onuk on Thursday, inaugurated the Itu Internal Revenue Committee that would manage the collection of taxes and levies within their jurisdiction. Mr. Bokime Bassey is the Chairman of the standing committee, while the Director for Finance, Itu Local Government Council, Mr. Aniefiok Udonte; Mr,. Ndifreke Eniang, Mrs. Gloria Jerome Edet, and Rev. Dr. Clement Eton are to serve as members.
Similarly, Barr. Onuk also Inaugurated the Ad-hoc committee saddled with the responsibility to organize the 2018 Uku-Itu Festival. The Committee is Chaired by the Special Assistant on Tourism, Miss Ofonime Daniel Ndem, Other members of the Committee Include; Hon. Okon Etim Okon, Mr. Effiong Umoh, Hon. Aniefiok Udo, Miss Udeme Utip, Mr. Goodnews Nelson, Mr. Abasiodomo Effiong, and Mr. Allen Effeh,
Others are; Mr. Godwin Richard, Hon. Otobong Ekong, Mr. Archibong Ebong Okon, and a representative from the Local Government’s directorate of Education.
