SUSPICIOUS? ‘Running Of Government House’ To Cost N288mln, Vehicle Maintenance Is N1.3bln

By Jonathan Ugbal

The Cross River State Government has earmarked N288 million for the ‘Running of Government House’ in Calabar, excerpts of the 2019 appropriation bill tagged ‘Qabalistic Densification’ show.

The item falls under ‘Material and Supplies’ budget head of the Governor’s office. The supplies are appropriated N200 million totaling N488 million for the said budget head.

According to the budget, there are three Government Houses in the State. One in Calabar, Ikom and Ogoja.

In Government House Calabar, the budget head Maintenance and Repairs is appropriated N1.34 billion.

The maintenance of motor vehicles alone is expected to gulp N1.33 billion. This is despite the fact that over N40 million was appropriated for the sum in two repeated items earlier reported by CrossRiverWatch.

Also, the maintenance of office equipment and the power generating plant will cost N333,400 and N6.66 million respectively despite provisions made for such under the office of the Chief of Staff.

In Ikom and Ogoja Government houses, motor vehicles will be maintained with N933,400 and N2 million respectively. Office equipment will be maintained with N133,400 and N333,400 while the maintenance of plants and generators as well as residential buildings will cost N3.33 million apiece in both government houses.