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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
SSG, Senator Shehu, led Borno government delegation to Eid, Durbar
By: Our Reporter
The Secretary to Borno State Government (SSG), Hon. Bukar Tijjani, and the Senator representing Borno Central, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, led a government delegation to observe the two raka’at Eid prayers at Ramat Square Eid ground.
This was in accordance with the directive of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who is currently in Mecca for a spiritual exercise.
The Deputy Governor, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur was unable to attend as he is in mourning following the passing of his elder brother, Mai Aliyu Usman Kadafur, in Biu town.
The Eid prayer marks the conclusion of the sacred month of Ramadan, a period dedicated to spiritual blessings and devotion.
Accompanying the SSG and the senator were former deputy governor, Hon Usman Mamman Ndurkwa, the State Head of Service, Dr Muhammad Aminu Ghuluze, commissioners, special advisers, heads of government agencies, stalwarts of the All Progressives Congress (APC), heads of security agencies, and members of the business community.
His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin Elkanemi, also led members of Borno Emirate Council to attend the prayers.
In a sermon shortly after the prayers, the Imam Idaini of Borno, Imam Shettima Mamman Saleh, urged Muslim faithful to apply the lessons learned during the Ramadan fast to foster harmonious relationships and peaceful coexistence among diverse groups across the country.
He further described Eid al-Fitr as a period of self-reflection and reassessment of the values inculcated during the holy month.
The Imam encouraged Muslims to give alms to the needy, known as Zakatul Fitr, and to observe six days of fasting in the month of Shawwal to earn Allah’s blessings and rewards.
Delivering the governor’s message shortly after the eid prayers at the Government House, Hon. Bukar Tijjani expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for witnessing a hitch free sallah celebration.
He called on people of the state to continue to support Zulum’s administration, stressing the need for a peaceful and harmonious relationship.
In a remark, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan said the governor is in Saudi Arabia to offer special prayers for peace and prosperity to continue to reign in the state and the country at large.
He extended Governor Zulum’s Sallah message, who directed them to take part in all activities lined up for the eid celebration.
The delegation later proceeded to the Shehu of Borno’s palace, where the royal father staged a durbar, displaying the rich cultural heritage of the people of Borno and a sign that peace has returned to the state
In a message, Shehu Abubakar Garbai Elkanemi lauded governor Zulum for his relentless effort towards the restoration of peace in the state.
He commended the federal government for the reconstruction and expansion of the Alau dam and called for prayers to avert the reoccurrence of last year’s flood disaster and for restoration of sustainable peace in the state.
SSG, Senator Shehu, led Borno government delegation to Eid, Durbar
Eid Mubarak: Tuggar Asks Nigerians to Embrace Peace, Compassion, Unity
By: Michael Mike
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has asked Nigerians to embrace the values of peace, compassion, and unity that the of Eid al-Fitr festival, which marks the end of the month of Ramadan, represents.
The Minister, in his message to commemorate the festival, said: “On this joyous occasion of Eid al-Fitr, I extend my warmest greetings to all Nigerians, both at home and abroad. As we mark the completion of the holy month of Ramadan, let us embrace the values of peace, compassion, and unity that this sacred period represents.
“Eid is a time of gratitude and reflection, a moment to strengthen our bonds as a nation and reaffirm our commitment to love, kindness, and generosity toward one another. It is also an opportunity to pray for continued progress, stability, and prosperity in our beloved country.
“To our fellow Nigerians living abroad, we recognize your contributions to our nation’s development and appreciate your role in fostering the good image of Nigeria globally. May this Eid bring you renewed hope, joy, and a deeper connection to home.
“As we celebrate, let us also remember those facing hardship and conflict, both within and beyond our borders. In the spirit of Eid, let us extend our prayers and support to those in need, reaffirming our collective resolve for peace and harmony worldwide.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I wish you all a blessed and peaceful Eid. May this celebration usher in a period of renewed strength, prosperity, and unity for our great nation.”
Eid Mubarak: Tuggar Asks Nigerians to Embrace Peace, Compassion, Unity
Gunman Attacks Hisba Officials in Katsina, Five Injured
By: Zagazola Makama
The Katsina State Police Command has arrested Alhaji Surajo Mai Asharalle and three others for allegedly attacking Hisba officials and causing severe injuries during a late-night enforcement operation at Kofar Kaura Quarters, Katsina.
According to sources from the CPS Katsina, the Operations Officer of the Katsina State Hisba Board, Nafi’u Aliyu Akilu, reported that at about 2:30 a.m. on March 29, Hisba officials were dispatched to stop a group of youths playing football near a mosque where Tahajjud (night prayers) were ongoing.
However, upon arrival, the youths resisted and chased the Hisba officials away. During the confrontation, Alhaji Surajo Mai Asharalle allegedly fired multiple shots from a locally made cut-to-size gun, injuring five Hisba officials: Aminu Musa Yari, Muhammad Ibrahim, Yau Musa Ingawa, Kabir Abdullahi and Mustapha Isa
In addition, a Peugeot 206 (blue) and a Mercedes C180, which were parked at the scene, were severely damaged.
Police later mobilized to the scene, arrested the suspect and three accomplices, and recovered the firearm used in the attack.
The injured victims were rushed to General Hospital Katsina and later referred to Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH) Katsina for further treatment.
Gunman Attacks Hisba Officials in Katsina, Five Injured
SSG, Senator Shehu, led Borno government delegation to Eid, Durbar
Eid Mubarak: Tuggar Asks Nigerians to Embrace Peace, Compassion, Unity
Gunman Attacks Hisba Officials in Katsina, Five Injured
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