By John Charles
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has warned local government chairmen in the state against indulging in financial misappropriation as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission will breathe down on them.
The governor also warned the council chairmen against abandoning their duty posts.
Alia gave the warnings while declaring open a two-day workshop on ‘Responsive Local Government Leadership for Effective Local Government Administration in Benue State’.
While advising the council chairmen to imbibe accountability, integrity and transparency in the discharge of their duty, the governor
said they must not take the Internal Generated Revenue or taxes as personal funds but to strive to increase on their IGR to improve on the welfare of their people.
He reminded the council chairmen of their social contract with the people and as such charged them to abide with the instrumental of the people and know what they want.
He said, “You must embark on human development, aim high and let the people know that the system is working.
“Do not let anyone take you by surprise as you have a big brother, the EFCC, who is always beaming a searchlight on you.
“Target what our administration is looking for to enable us who are vested with this responsibility to know our social contract with the people and know the depth of service to the people and benefit of democracy.
“The theme speaks to reality, that is method of service delivery and management of the third tier of government. It is meant to equip you to understand your roles
The local governments are placed strategically to play a role in administrative processes and this must be in tandem with our goals.”
The governor also told the council chairmen to “be at your station and stop parading about. Take this very seriously; be where you must be at the right time. Let the people know you. Let them not just know that you are collecting taxes but let it have an impact on them. Build heaven out of hell in your LG areas. Be the mechanic to good governance. Keep a good record when you are to depart. Give LG people comfort.”
