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THE Delta State House of Assembly has given Governor Ifeanyi Okowa the go-ahead to apply for a bailout of N20.9 billion from the Federal Government to offset outstanding salaries of public servants and execute capital projects. This came on the wake of the governor claiming the state does not have enough financial capacity to offset the payment of salaries and to execute projects that would be beneficial all and sundry in the state.

Okowa had written the legislators seeking approval to raise funds to cater for the state’s liabilities that were running into N50.2 billion. In the correspondence salary as well as pensions and other commitments were mentioned. In response to the letter read by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya during plenary yesterday in Asaba, the members acceded to the request.

According to the governor, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) was willing to provide a N10 billion facility at a concessionary interest of nine per cent yearly to all states to aid funding of capital projects. Okowa told the House that it has become necessary to accept the offer in form of bailout loans totalling N20,936,799,000 billion.

The governor explained that the sum is made up of N10,936,000,000 billion for the settlement of outstanding salaries and N10 billion for capital projects. Meanwhile, Okowa has submitted five more names as commissioners to the lawmakers for their consideration. The eight nominees earlier sent had been screened and confirmed by the state assembly, which is believed to be closely in support of the governor.

The new nominees for commissioners are Peter Mrakpor, Bright Edejewhro, Oghenekaro Ilolo, Nicholas Azinge and Ernest Ogwuezi. Those cleared include Mofe Pirah, Henry Siapkra, Dan Okenyi and David Edevbie. Others are Jude Sinebe, Asupa Forteta, Chika Ossai and Patrick Ukah.

At yesterday’s sitting, the Speaker also read out the governor’s letter announcing the re-composition of the board of Direct Labour Agency (DLA) with former Speaker of the legislature, Frank Enekorogha nominated Director-General. Smart Meka, Blessing Enamutor and Austin Bebeteidoh were pencilled as directors. The house has not fully ratify the appointment, but it is expected that such will be done when the committee is fully ready. In another development, Okowa has called for collaboration among security agencies in the state and government at all levels so as to enthrone a violence-free, secure and peaceful society where investments could thrive.

The governor, who spoke in Asaba while playing host to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2nd Division of the Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Maj.-Gen. Laz Ilo, said it was only when the economy thrives that jobs could be provided for the teeming youths and Nigeria will get netter for it.

“I have always asked for the security agencies, the military, police, Directorate of State Service (DSS) and all other agencies to collaborate and we are on the verge of trying to ensure that we are able to work more closely with minimal funding to be able to achieve our dreams so that we can have a more peaceful state,” he said.