Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, has pledged that the 10th Assembly will subject the 2027 Appropriation Bill to rigorous legislative scrutiny to ensure prudent resource allocation and value for money.

Ayambem made the pledge on Wednesday while formally opening the 2027 Budget Retreat themed “Consolidation and Renewed Hope” at Centurion Hotel, Obudu.

According to the Speaker, the era of passing budgets as mere rituals is over, stressing that lawmakers will critically examine every line item, interrogate spending priorities and ensure proposed expenditures align with the real needs of Cross Riverians.

“This retreat gives us opportunity to thoroughly assess the 2027 Appropriation Bill, evaluate government spending priorities and ensure fiscal responsibility,” Ayambem said.

He listed agriculture, healthcare, education, infrastructure and human capital development as sectors that must receive adequate attention and measurable allocation, warning that the Assembly will not tolerate frivolous or duplicated budget heads.

Ayambem said the retreat, sustained for four consecutive years by the 10th Assembly, underscores the legislature’s commitment to strengthening oversight and deepening engagement with the state’s fiscal plans.

He maintained that the House will conduct a comprehensive and timely review of the estimates, but not at the expense of thoroughness, adding that accountability in public finance remains non-negotiable.

The Speaker commended Governor Bassey Otu for sustaining executive-legislative harmony, but noted that cooperation does not mean compromise on oversight.

He expressed optimism that the outcome of the retreat will produce a responsive, people-centred budget that consolidates gains of the People First Administration and translates policies into tangible improvements for citizens.