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Group Commends Move to Transfer Allocated Fund Directly to Local Governments
Group Commends Move to Transfer Allocated Fund Directly to Local Governments
By: Michael
Mike
A group, Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has commended the landmark move to ensure the direct transfer of Local Government revenues from the Revenue Allocation Account Committee into the bank accounts of Local Government Councils, noting that this development aligns with the Supreme Court’s historic judgment of July 11, 2024, which affirmed the financial autonomy of local governments, upholding the Federal Government’s suit to enhance their independence.
The group recalled that in a unanimous ruling by a seven-member panel led by Justice Emmanuel Agim, the Supreme Court declared it unconstitutional and illegal for governors to receive and withhold funds allocated to local governments and mandated that local governments must now receive their allocations directly from the Accountant-General of the Federation.
The group said its findings, corroborated by a report by a national daily revealed that a dedicated unit within the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) has been established to oversee the direct disbursement of funds to the 774 local governments across Nigeria.
The NCYP however expressed concerns about the preparedness of Local Government Council Chairmen to effectively manage these funds and the readiness of grassroots communities to collaborate with their councils to ensure these resources are optimally utilized for development, as this financial autonomy takes effect.
The group, while commending the federal government’s action to give teeth to the decision of the apex court, however highlights that many Local Government Councils are unaccustomed to managing significant funds independently, noting that to avoid inefficiencies and misuse of resources, “it is essential to establish synergy between council leaders and the people.”
The group in a statement signed by its Chairman, Isaac Abrak urged Local Government Chairmen to organize town hall meetings and engage their communities to identify priority projects that meet the most pressing local needs; ensure transparency and accountability by providing regular updates on the utilization of funds to foster trust and collaboration with their constituents.
It also advised that citizens at the grassroots should form forums, collaborating with their councils to monitor allocations and expenditure; hold local governments accountable by demanding transparency and ensure resources are effectively used for community development.
NCYP also called on civil society organisations and advocacy groups to step in by organizing sensitization programmes and town hall meetings to educate citizens on their role in holding local governments accountable.
It urged financial regulatory bodies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to establish dedicated units to monitor fund utilization and prosecute offenders, noting that the National Orientation Agency (NOA) also has a critical role in reorienting Local Government Councils and grassroots communities on the importance of these funds for grassroots and national development.
Abrak said: “While we commend President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the committee led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief George Akume, for their dedication to implementing the Supreme Court judgment, we call for periodic training workshops focusing on budgeting and the use of modern IT tools. It is imperative to emphasize to Council Chairmen the importance of publicly disclosing their budgets, as this will not only enhance effective governance and accountability at the grassroots but also protect them from false accusations or political blackmail.
“We also commend the state governors for their support of Local Government autonomy and emphasize that the essence of this autonomy is to drive grassroots development and not to impose a burden on them. However, it is crucial for Local Government Chairmen to exercise prudence and resist mismanagement of funds. Reports of chairmen appointing excessive aides, such as over 100 in some cases, raise concerns about frugality and the proper use of resources.”
The group stressed that the Local Government Councils, being the closest tier of government to the people, have immense potential to drive development, noting that: “The success of Counties (America’s version of our LGAs) in the United States as powerful entities with efficient systems, including education, can serve as a model for Nigerian LGAs.”
It also said: “As a critical pillar of the fourth estate, organized media plays a vital role in ensuring that funds sent directly to Local Government Councils are utilized judiciously. Media organizations should establish dedicated desks to consistently report on the progress made by Local Government Councils and shed light on their challenges. By doing so, the media can facilitate continuous dialogue among the related organs of the Federal Government, LGAs, and citizens, driving the formulation of effective solutions and fostering sustainable development at the grassroots.
“Finally, we emphasize that empowering the grassroots is fundamental to achieving national development. The success of this initiative will strengthen the bond between citizens and the government, fostering a deeper sense of nationalism, patriotism, and the core values needed for Nigeria to realize its potential as a leading force in Africa and on the global stage. This progress will undoubtedly have a positive ripple effect across the continent.”
Group Commends Move to Transfer Allocated Fund Directly to Local Governments
Zulum Visits Frontline Troops in Mairari, Inspects Dilapidated FGC Monguno
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Tuesday, visited the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Mairari to bolster the morale of troops on the frontline.
Mairari, a strategic town in the state, endured two insurgent attacks in December. On both occasions, the assaults were successfully repelled by troops, averting a significant security breach.
Governor Zulum, who is currently on a resilience-building tour of Northern Borno, commended the officers and men for their bravery and sacrifice, describing them as the backbone of peace and stability in the state.
“Your resilience and commitment inspire confidence in our people,” the Governor stated. “I want to assure you that my administration will continue to provide all necessary logistics and welfare support to boost your morale and enhance your operational effectiveness. Mairari will not fall.”
He emphasised that the state government, in collaboration with the Federal Government and military high command, would ensure a steady supply of operational logistics, mobility support, and welfare packages to keep troops combat-ready.
The Commander of Sector 3, Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Suleiman Saidu Tilawan, commended the Governor for his consistent and proactive support.
“The support we receive from the Borno State Government and the Theatre Commander has been exceptional,” he said. “It has translated into improved logistics, enhanced morale, and renewed confidence among our troops to confront threats head-on.”
Governor Zulum also interacted with residents of Mairari, listening to their concerns and commending their courage. He described the community as a symbol of resilience and announced cash assistance to those affected by the recent attacks to ease hardships and support recovery.
…Zulum Inspects Dilapidated FGC Monguno
Earlier in the day, Governor Zulum conducted an inspection of the abandoned Federal Government College in Monguno.
He assessed extensively damaged classrooms, vandalized laboratories, and deteriorating staff quarters, tangible reminders of the insurgency’s impact on public institutions.
The Governor said the purpose of the visit was to assess the damage and identify practical steps for the college’s full rehabilitation. “Education is the foundation upon which any peaceful, prosperous, and resilient society is built,” Governor Zulum stressed. “Rebuilding schools is central to the long-term recovery and stability of our dear state.”
He assured that his administration would spare no effort in restoring the school, with the ultimate goal of ensuring children from Monguno and neighbouring communities can access quality education.
During the inspection, Governor Zulum encountered widows who are taken refuge in some of the abandoned structures and provided them with cash assistance and facilitated the admission of some of their qualified daughters into the Monguno College of Nursing and Midwifery, offering them a pathway to education and future self-reliance.
Zulum Visits Frontline Troops in Mairari, Inspects Dilapidated FGC Monguno
News
Yuletide: NSCDC Deploys 55,000 Operatives Nationwide, Intensifies Intelligence to Tackle Insecurity
Yuletide: NSCDC Deploys 55,000 Operatives Nationwide, Intensifies Intelligence to Tackle Insecurity
By: Michael Mike
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed over 55,000 operatives across the country to ensure public safety and protect critical national assets and infrastructure during the Christmas and New Year festivities.
The Commandant General of the Corps, Prof. Ahmed Audi, ordered the nationwide deployment as part of measures to strengthen the nation’s security architecture before, during and after the yuletide period.
Audi said the decision became imperative in view of the tendency of criminal elements to exploit festive periods to carry out acts of banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, insurgency and other crimes.
He stressed that many security threats could be effectively curtailed if citizens embraced the culture of providing credible and timely intelligence to security agencies. According to him, proactive intelligence-sharing would aid early intervention and lead to the arrest of individuals who pose threats to national security.
“To prevent crimes rather than react to them, it is imperative for members of the public to trust and collaborate with us by providing credible and timely information that will enable swift action,” the NSCDC boss said.
Audi directed Zonal Commanders to closely monitor formations under their jurisdiction, while State Commandants are to coordinate Area Commands, Divisional Offices and other operational units to ensure effective coverage.
He explained that the deployment involves both covert and overt operations, with full mobilisation of personnel aimed at guaranteeing maximum human security and safeguarding government assets nationwide.
Reaffirming the Corps’ commitment to national peace and stability, the NSCDC helmsman assured Nigerians of enhanced collaboration with sister security agencies to ensure a safe environment conducive to development.
He said: “Our unwavering commitment is to ensure a safe and secure environment, and this can only be achieved with the active support of the public.”
The assurance was contained in a statement signed by the National Public Relations Officer of the Corps, Afolabi Babawale.
Yuletide: NSCDC Deploys 55,000 Operatives Nationwide, Intensifies Intelligence to Tackle Insecurity
Military arrest policemen on VIP escort duty in violation of President Tinubu’s directive
By: Zagazola Makama
The military has arrested four police officers for allegedly providing unauthorised escort services to a VIP in contravention of the presidential directive on the withdrawal of policemen from VIP protection duties.
Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the arrest occurred on Dec. 17 at about 9:30 a.m., while the officers were reportedly on escort duty.
Those arrested were identified as ASP Musa Waziri and Insp. Jeremiah Achimogu both attached to 45 Police Mobile Force (PMF), Abuja; Insp. Awipi Terry of 21 PMF; and Insp. Hassan Baba of 50 PMF, Abuja.
According to security sources, the officers were arrested by military personnel after allegedly flouting the presidential order withdrawing police personnel from VIP escort duties.
The sources further disclosed that the policemen were dressed in uniforms similar to that of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), allegedly in an attempt to evade detection and deceive enforcement personnel.
The arrested officers have since been detained, while disciplinary procedures have been initiated against them in line with extant regulations.
The Federal Government had earlier directed the immediate withdrawal of police personnel from unauthorised VIP protection duties to redeploy manpower to core policing and internal security operations across the country.
Military arrest policemen on VIP escort duty in violation of President Tinubu’s directive
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