Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom, on Thursday signed the N179.5 billion 2023 appropriation bill into law.

The appropriation bill puts recurrent expenditure at N106 billion and N73.5 billion for capital expenditure.

Ortom praised the Assembly members for their cooperation, quick work on the budget, and painstakingly approving and delivering it to the executive before signing the bill at the new banquet hall in Government House, Makurdi.

He said, “We appreciate the 9th Assembly for the synergy and understanding which aided our achievements and victories.”

“Though 2023 is pregnant and loaded, we hope that God will see us through all the challenges we are facing.

“A lot of us are expecting a turnaround, rebranding and refocusing. We as humans have tried but we hope that God himself will rescue us and give us peace, hope and all that will make the coming year enjoyable.”

Speaking on the forthcoming elections, Governor Ortom again urged Benue people to vote for individuals that can be trusted and not according to parties.

He said, “Come 2023, let us work hard and vote according to the election and not according to the party.

“We must know those people who have prospects to help us and the country. Let us be truthful when we sit to consider this and may God direct us.

Earlier, Mr. Chris Adaji, deputy speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, reaffirmed the assembly’s commitment to passing laws for the state’s good administration and the welfare of its citizens when delivering the bill to the governor.

In addition, he promised the assembly’s backing so that the governor could continue to benefit the populace even when his term came to a close.