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Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina state, has charged the newly inaugurated chairmen of the 34 Local Government Areas of state to ensure the proper utilization of public funds and prioritize projects that directly impact the citizens’ lives to boost the economy....CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE>>>
Radda speaking shortly after the historic swearing-in ceremony administered by the state Chief Judge, Justice Musa Danladi Abubakar on Monday at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina, stressed the importance of fiscal responsibility in local governance.
“I urge you all to approach your responsibilities with integrity, transparency and accountability. Remember that public service is not about personal gain but about serving the greater good. Every kobo allocated to your councils must be judiciously utilized for projects that uplift the living standards of your people,” the Governor said.
While describing the event as “the beginning of a new chapter for grassroots governance in Katsina State” the Governor told the chairmen that, “As leaders of our Local Governments, you are now at the forefront of delivering development, promoting peace, and fostering unity within your communities. The expectations are high, and rightly so, because the local government system serves as the closest link between the government and the people.”
“I am assuring the good people of Katsina State and Nigeria at large that our government is fully committed to implementing the Local Governments Autonomy in all its ramifications across the 34 LGAs in Katsina State.”
To this end, he announced the creation of a new department under the Ministry of Local Governments and Chieftancy Affairs that would be headed by a Special Adviser in charge of Inspectorate Matters to enhance and restructure for effective performance and efficient utilization of LGAs resources.
Governor Radda, then, identified six key priority areas for the chairmen’s tenure, which include education and youth empowerment, healthcare delivery, agricultural transformation, security and peace building, infrastructure development and environmental Sustainability.
He however warned that “Corruption, inefficiency and negligence will not be tolerated under my watch,” assuring the chairmen of his administration’s “unwavering support” through guidance, technical assistance and financial allocations.
In his remarks, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has cautioned the new chairmen against the mismanagement of public funds for personal and family gains.
Ganduje advised them not to see the local government financial autonomy as a means of enriching themselves, they should be at their duty post at the right time and not only when there are allocations and grants from the Federal Government.
“Governor Dikko Umaru Radda will give you 100 per cent of your allocations, but he will monitor, audit your expenditure and sanction anyone found wanting for transparency and accountability”.
The APC National Chairman commended the party’s achievements at the local level, pointing out that, “Today, on behalf of the APC leadership, I commend your dedication to public service. We are proud of your achievements because we recognize the critical role of governance in uplifting our people.”
On local government autonomy, Ganduje cautioned that “autonomy does not mean isolation. It does not mean you only show up when federal allocations arrive. It does not mean prioritizing personal gain over public good.
Dignitaries in attendance include the Deputy Governor, Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe, Speaker Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura, Senators and Federal House of Representatives Members representing Katsina at the National Assembly, Chief of Staff to the Governor Alhaji Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir , National Coordinator of New Partnership for Africa Development (NEPAD) Hon. Abdullahi Jabiru Tsauri, traditional rulers, and citizens from across the 34 Local Government Areas…CONTINUE READING>>
