By Peter Okutu
Governor Martin Elechi of Ebonyi State Thursday signed the state appropriation bill of N60.18 billion into law.

Elechi said at the ceremony in Abakaliki that the budget would focus on the completion of ongoing projects and lay a solid foundation for the incoming administration.

Elechi also signed into law the Ebonyi State College of Education Amendment Bill.

The appropriation bill tagged “The Budget of Reality” was passed by the state House of Assembly early January as presented by the governor in 2010.

Elechi stressed the need for fiscal discipline and urged government establishments to avoid wasteful expenditure.

He said government had made adequate provision for stabilisation funds in the budget to tackle unforeseen challenges.

The governor commended the lawmakers for ensuring speedy passage of the bill.

Speaker of the House, Chief Augustine Nwankwegu, commended the state executive for its prudent utilisation of funds.

He pledged that the house would continue to place service above self-interest.