What A Relief to Local Governments?

Now that our Governor Sani Bello has cancel local government Joint Accounts in order to reestablish local government autonomy in Niger State. But the matters arising. We know of some local government that enjoy more allocation from federation account more than others. We know of some local government with more populated staff than others.

We also know of some LG who are more indebted than others. In view of the above facts, what Will be the faith of those LGs, especially when they begin to find it difficult to pay salaries, overhead costs while the community development also suffers. The jubilation should be for those LGs with less staffs salaries ie LG staff and primary health and teachers pay.

We will hate to hear Zero allocation to LG that are indebted, unless the state will come up with some kind of bailout. No doubt, people are calling for more development in terms of basic serves by local government statutory functions, but where the monthly allocation falls what and where would they run to?

Yes, we heard nasty stories about Joint Account in Niger State in the past, now that the local governments are going to be on their own, the buck is on the Council Chairmen to ensure that they deliver the service to the local community.

Perhaps even the anti~corruption agencies should begin to focus on local government this time around. It is a welcome idea to cancel joint account but don't celebrate yet until we see how prudent the Chairmen and Council are First.

Usman Mohammed Department of Mass Communication
IBB University, Lapai-Niger State.
07060815443