Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia has said the local government councils must work as the third tier of government in the state by providing services to the people at the grassroots under his administration.
Governor Alia said this when he declared open a two-day workshop for Local Government Caretaker Committees, Director-General, Services and Administration (DGSA) and Treasurers in Makurdi on Monday.
He said that all the 23 local government councils in the state had been granted full autonomy.
Governor Alia said that the local government councils were supposed to work as the third tier of government as enshrined in the constitution with full autonomy.
He said the local government administration must be accountable and transparent, in line with the rule of law at all times.
The governor also said that the local government councils must keep clean and straight records at all times for auditors and the anti graft agencies.
He said the local council chairmen must ensure that they identify projects that had direct bearing on the community for execution.
Governor Alia said the councils must intensify efforts to boost Internally Generated Revenue at the grassroots and cautioned against misappropriation of such revenues.
He urged the chairmen to remain at their duty posts and ensure that attend to the issues within their jurisdiction.
Governor Alia said that the state was awaiting fuel subsidy removal palliative from the Federal Government for distribution across the state.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Special Adviser to the governor on Bureau for Local Government and Chieftainacy Affairs, Dr Dennis Akura, commended the governor for the workshop aimed at enhancing the capacity of the local government councils administrators.
Akura said that the training reflected a proactive approach to improving governance at the grassroots.
“Your dedication to implement the administration’s transformation agenda, including the enforcement of a workable local Government System which is crucial for driving positive change across the 23 local government areas.
“Permit me to appreciate your commitment to local government staff welfare including pensions and gratuity.
“As the arrow head of the third tier, we will never disappoint you. It’s evident that the administration is committed to fostering a conducive environment for sustainable development and progress.
“I look forward to your active participation in the workshop, and am optimistic that it would add valuable insights that can be applied to your daily administrative responsibilities. Let us collectively strive to make the most of this training opportunity for the betterment of our communities and the state as a whole,”he said(NAN)
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