El-Rufai grants financial autonomy to Kaduna LGAs
Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna state, has abolished ‘joint account’ and announced that his government will be remitting ten percent of internally generated revenue (IGR) to local government councils in the state.
Samuel Aruwan, special assistant on media and publicity to the governor, disclosed this in a statement issued shortly after the governor swore-in chairmen of the interim management committees of the 23 local government councils of the state on Monday.
El-Rufai also warned the chairmen against residing outside their respective local government areas, saying anyone who flouts the directive would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
“You have no excuse to fail. Perform and bring real development to our state at the local government level,” the statement quoted the governor as saying.
“I am using this occasion to fulfill our campaign promise, during the campaigns we said we will not hold local government funds if elected.
“Therefore, I am happy to inform you that the government under our watch has formally abolished joint account in Kaduna state, there will be no more holding local government funds hostage under the pretence of joint account.
“Added to this, I also wish to inform you that the government will do its best to be remitting ten percent of the state’s internally generated revenue to the local government areas of our dear state. Like I said, we must deliver, we can’t let our people down.
“In addition, you are to swing into action and commence carrying out meaningful projects in all the wards in your council. Already there is a blueprint of proposed development which you will see and work with as a guide to taking development to our communities.
“You must take security serious, partner with traditional rulers and religious leaders and the entire stakeholders. Don’t be arrogant to your people, you are assigned to serve them and nothing more than that. We will not hesitate to call you to order if you think you will play with our people and the trust vested in you.”
The governor also asked that the chairmen to submit within two weeks a list of government assets such as schools and hospitals that have been encroached on by trespassers.
He assured them that they will be supported by able personnel to help them succeed.
Kaduna! Sai mai aiki. Best wishes, Gov. El-Rufai.
Kudos to Governor El-rufai for liberating the L.G.A.s from the financial bondage to the State. This a is real change in Kaduna State. I hope that the remaining governors will follow his example. May God bless El-rufai to do more his people.
Excellent move, which will deepen development and democracy. Next steps must include ensuring free and fair elections for Local Government (elective) positions. This will ultimately enable high quality leadership at the Local Goverment level.