BENUE: GOV. ALIA WARNS LG CHAIRMEN AGAINST FUNDS MISAPPROPRIATION
Benue State Governor Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia has cautioned local government Caretaker Chairmen against indulging in financial misappropriation as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), or be ready to answer to them.
Governor Alia gave this warning while declaring open a two-day workshop for Local Government Administration Leaders organized by the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Benue state.
The workshop has a theme “Responsive Local Government Leadership for Effective Local Government Administration in Benue State.”
Recall that recently a group known as Global Integrity Crusade Network, (GICN), in a petition to the EFCC, called for the arrest and prosecution of the Special Adviser on Local Government ad Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Dennis Akura and some of his staff for allegedly diverting N20 billion out of the N55 billion that has accrued to the local governments between June 2023 to October 2023.
The Governor said LG chairmen must imbibe accountability, integrity and transparency in the discharge of their duty or be ready to face the anti graft Commission.
He advised that they must not take Internal Generated Revenue, (IGR) or taxes as personal funds but should strive to increase on their IGR to improve on the welfare of their people.
He reminded the council chairmen that they have a social contract with the people, hence, they have to abide with the people and know what they want.
“You must embark on human development, aim high and let the people know that the system is working.
“Do not let anyone take you by surprise as you have a big brother EFCC who is always beaming a searchlight on you
“Target what our administration is looking for to enable us who are vested with this responsibility to know our social contract with the people and know the depth of service to the people and benefit of democracy.
“The theme speaks to reality, that is method of service delivery and management of the third tier of government. It is meant to equip you to understand your roles.
The local governments are placed strategically to play a role in administrative processes and this must be in tandem with our goals.
“See the challenges you are faced with and proffer solution. See how you can make an imprint in the LG system. You have to make the State and stakeholders and everyone involved in the State proud of you.
“We have given autonomy to the LG system and have plans to open the rural areas to thrive. We have mapped out strategic projects awaiting execution in our LG areas.
“Be at your station and stop parading about. Take this very seriously, be where you must be at the right time. Let the people know you. Let them not just know that you are collecting taxes but let it have impact on them. Build heaven out of hell in your LG areas. Be the mechanic to good governance. Keep good record when you are to depart. Give LG people comfort,” he said.
Speaking earlier, the Deputy Governor, Dr Sam Ode, called for effective communication between the LG leaders and their subordinates to make room for positive development at that level of government.
Sam Odereminded the Chairmen that the Directors General Services and Administration, (DGSAs) are the chief accounting officers of the local government saying effective communication among the leadership structure in the LG was important for team work and effective service delivery.
The Deputy Governor also urged the chairmen to remain in their LG headquarters to enable them respond to issues affecting their people promptly..
“This is important because when the people see you, you earn their respect more. When there is a security issue, you will respond to it. You shouldn’t be running from Makurdi or elsewhere to attend to it. You should be on ground,” he said.
The Special Adviser, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Dennis Akura explained that the workshop is designed not only to familiarize administrators with the intricacies of governance but to equip them with the managerial skills necessary for excellence in their roles.
Akura who pledged total commitment to the development of the their tier of government, appreciated Governor Alia’s commitment to LG Staff welfare including pensions and gratuity saying it’s evident that the administration is committed to fostering a conducive environment for sustainable development and progress.
From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
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