El-Rufai Announces Autonomy for Local Councils, Swears-in Sole Administrators

Nasir El-Rufai

John Shiklam in Kaduna

The Kaduna State Governor, Mallam  Nasir El-Rufai, monday announced autonomy for local governments in the state, abolishing the  joint state and local government system, which had stunted development at the grassroots.

The governor also said 10 per cent of internally generated revenue (IGR) would be remitted to local government councils in the state.
Speaking while swearing-in sole administrators for the 23 councils in the state yesterday at the Government House, the governor said with this development, council chairmen cannot afford to fail the people.

He warned the sole administrators to desist from residing outside their localities, declaring that anyone who cannot live within the locality should vacate the office.

“You have no excuse to fail. Perform and bring real development to our state at the local government level. 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.

“I also wish to inform you that the government will do its best to be remitting 10 per cent of the state’s IGR to the local government areas. 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,” the governor said.

He further charged the council sole administrators to take the issue of security very seriously by  partnering with traditional 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,” he warned.

He directed the council officials to submit within two weeks a list of government assets such as schools and hospitals that have been encroached into by trespassers.

“We did not appoint you because of your religion, ethnicity or where you come from. You have been appointed to work and bring positive change,” El-Rufai declared.