Benue State Governor, 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 further warned the chairmen against leaving their council area.
Alia gave the warnings on Monday while declaring open a two-day workshop on ‘Responsive Local Government Leadership for Effective Local Government Administration in Benue State.
While admonishing 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 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 interests of the people and know what they wanted.
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, 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, the 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.
“See the challenges you are faced with and proffer solution. See how you can make an imprint in the LG system. You have to make the state and stakeholders and everyone involved in the state proud of you. We have given autonomy to the LG system and have plans to open the rural areas to thrive. We have mapped out strategic projects awaiting execution in our LG areas.
“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. ”
The Special Adviser, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dennis Akura, explained that the workshop was designed not only to familiarise administrators with the intricacies of governance but to equip them with the managerial skills necessary for excellence in their roles.
