“● Interfaces with 13 LGAs Chairmen, sets to commence oversight to LGAs.
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly Committee on LG and Chieftaincy Affairs has today Monday interfaced with the 13 LGAs Chairmen in the State where issues of accountability, prudence in management of resources and fulfilments of campaign promises top discussions.
The House of Assembly at the session promised to monitor funds of the LGs saying it will not allow local government funds to be siphoned in whatever disguise.
Chairman, House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Musa Abubakar Ibrahim made the House position known while hosting the LG Chairmen today at the Assembly complex in Lafia the State capital.
It would be recalled that after tendering apology last week for their inability to honor the House invitation, the Local Government Chairmen have appeared before the Assembly’s committee on Local Government where issues of funds dominated discussion.
Chairman of the committee, Hon. Musa Abubakar Ibrahim informed the Chairmen that the State House of Assembly has established facts that they have six billion naria within their coffers out of which 2.4 billion naira is for salary, pension and other related matters and the House will not fold its arms and allow the funds be embezzled.
He emphasized that the meeting is not to witch hunt but a constitutional duties of the House to ensure that records are put straight and the right thing is done for grassroots development in the State.
“The masses should feel the impact of government at the local levels, you must fulfill your campaign promises to the people” He said.
Responding, the State Chairman, Association of Local Government of Nigeria ALGON, Hon. Safiyanu Isa Andaha said the Chairmen have collectively agreed that money meant for local governments will be used judiciously.
“We have resolved to collectively work together and in synergy with the House, we will never disrespect this House, we are all aware that is the responsibility of the House to overseen the affairs of the LGAs both our activities and fund spending.
On the position of local government autonomy, Hon. Musa Abubakar Ibrahim the Chairman of the House Committee on LG said they LGAs in the State now have their financial independence.
“They now have autonomy. Their money comes to them. They decide what should be done. No body interfere. We are only performing our constitutional duties of monitoring”
The ALGON Chairman equally responded to this as according to him, “we are in charge. We decide what should be done. And with today’s parley, the House of Assembly Committee on Local Government will now proceed on oversight function to the Local Governments as enshrined in section 7 of the 1999 constitution as amended”
He assured of effective partnership and cooperation with the House as well as their commitment to deliver to the people and called for support, understanding and prayers to enable them succeed.(www.krestnews.com).