Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Enugu State House of Assembly on Monday approved a request by Governor Peter Mbah to source for N170 billion loan to help his government to fund some critical projects in the state.
The lawmakers unanimously and unceremoniously approved the request by the governor without any hesitation.
The Labour Party dominated assembly made the approval on the grounds that it would enable the government deliver on its mandate, especially in the provision of critical infrastructure needed to attract investments to the state.
Deliberating on the loan, the assembly, which has been regarded as rubber stamp by the citizens of the state, expressed delight that the loan would run its full course under Mbah’s first tenure
A breakdown of the request shows that: N100 billion bank guarantee line; N10 billion term loan, N10 billion overdraft facility, and N50 billion credit facility.
A letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, and addressed to the Speaker, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu, disclosed that the request was sequel to the approval of the Enugu State Executive Council of the offer of N100 billion bank guarantee line, N10 billion term loan and N10 billion over draft facility from Fidelity Bank and N50 billion credit facility from Globus Bank.
The N100 billion bank facility will guarantee payment for contracts issued to approved contractors.
The loan will be repaid via Irrevocable Standing Payment Order (ISPO) on consolidated Enugu State IGR accounts, which would be domiciled in Fidelity Bank and domiciliation of JAAC/FAAC/Infrastructure Support.
The N10 billion term loan is on a tenure of 48 months, and a monthly repayment via ISPO on consolidated Enugu State IGR accounts, which will be domiciled in Fidelity Bank and domiciliation of JAAC/FAAC/Infrastructure Support. It will be used for infrastructural development.
The N10 billion overdraft facility will be used for prompt payment of recurrent expenditures such as salaries and has a tenure of 12 months with monthly clean up and repayment via ISPO on consolidated Enugu State IGR accounts, which will be domiciled in Fidelity Bank and domiciliation of JAAC/FAAC/Infrastructure Support.
The N50 billion credit facility is for the refinancing of the outstanding receivables from Enugu State Government and the repayment plan is 42 months equal and consecutive monthly repayment of principal and interest, which will be debited from Enugu State FAAC account with Globus Bank PLC.
Ikengaonline reports that Globus Bank only few weeks ago opened a branch office in Enugu and was lauded by Mbah during a courtesy visit at the government house Enugu.
