Bayelsa Begins 2021 Budget Process, Pledges Citizens Participation
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The Governor Diri led administration in Bayelsa State said that the 2021 budget would be based on the citizens’ input and participation to ensure the utilisation of public funds according to the needs of the people.
The governor noted that his government would adopt best practices in the budget process by engaging all stakeholders such as the executive, legislature, civil society, labour , youths, women and community leaders, physically challenged amongst others.
Diri, who was represented by his Deputy, Sen. Lawrence Ewrhudjakpo , noted that the State was adopting the citizen based approach in budgetary process for the second time.
“The Citizen’s Participation Budget Conference has been called in compliance with section 22(2) of the Fiscal Responsibility Law of 2009 (as amended) which states that:
“The government shall direct citizen’s participation conference to be convened and cause the outcomes of the said conference, together with the view expressed to be published on the state website.
”It is designed to ensure accountability and strong collaboration by all stakeholders in stewarding our communal resources.
“Indeed, in reviewing and approving the annual State budget, you play the vital role of guaranteeing that we apportion our resources sensibly and in accordance with our shared vision and values, with a view towards helping all our citizens thrive and prosper, in a sustainable manner.
“Budget policy is therefore, mostly about planning. As Benjamin Franklin stated, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.
“The impact of COVID 19 pandemic and the heavy toll it has taken on our inflows from Federal Allocations, means that the need to plan to diversify our economy has become more urgent,” Diri stated.
He said that the government would focus on security, health, education and agriculture in the 2021 fiscal year for allocating resources among competing needs and plan for delivering on its promises and obligation to the citizens of Bayelsa.
Representatives of several stakeholder groups took turns to make contributions during the interactive session segment.
Chief Joshua Igbugburu, monarch of Bomo clan in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa urged the State government to fund the Yenagoa-Oporoma road project to connect the coastal communities in his domain by road.
Also Mrs Dise Ogbise, Executive Director DO Foundation who spoke on behalf of the Civil Society commended the government for adopting a transparent approach by involving members of the public.
She pledged the support of civil society organisations in the state to the process.
