Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has approved the purchase of an aircraft by the state government.
This followed a request letter from Governor Francis Nwifuru which was read during its plenary by Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Moses Odunwa.
The speaker highlighted the importance of floating fully state-owned airline in ensuring maximal operations at the airport.
This he said will lead to the smooth takeoff of the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, Onueke, in Ezza South Local Government Area of the State.
The leader of the House and member representing Afikpo North West State Constituency, Kingsley Ikoro, moved the motion for the approval.
He noted that with the Airport in operation, it will not be proper if the state does not have any aircraft but only await the services of aircraft from other parts of the country.
The member representing, Izzi East Constituency, Goodluck Mbam seconded the motion.
He described the Governor’s request as a wise decision that would not only boost the operations of the airport but as well generate more revenue to the state.
The House also approved the revenue recovery from utility infrastructure, telecom tax within Ebonyi State and proposal from the state government to secure a contract finance facility.
Also approved was the request by the state government for the engagement of Boards Ltd as a consultant to Ebonyi State government on NG-CARE Programme.
The lawmakers maintained that for the engagement of Quintix Consultancy Services, Ebonyi State stands the chance to maximise the revenue recovery from telecom taxes within the state.
The Speaker explained that the NG-Cares Programme in the state has performed below capacity as a World Bank Assisted Federal Government Programme, saying there is an urgent need to engage a consultant to make it viable.
After the debate, members unanimously adopted the requests from Governor Nwifuru on their importance and benefits through voice votes.
Subsequent upon the passage, the Speaker directed the Clerk of the House, Mrs. Uche Edene, to write a memo conveying the approval of the House to the governor.
