Hon. Alkali urges LG Chairmen, NULGE to synergise for grassroot development

A member representing Lafia North Constituency at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Hon Mohammed Alkali, has called for effective synergy between chairmen of 13 local government areas and 18 Overseers of development areas with officials of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees ( NULGE) in their respective areas for grassroots development.

Hon. Ibrahim Alkali made the call while playing host to officials of NULGE from Lafia municipal, Lafia North, and Lafia East Development Areas at the Assembly complex.

LAWMAKER’S APPEAL

The lawmaker, the chairman of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, called on NULGE officials to give their chairmen and overseers full support and cooperation to tackle challenges facing local governments and development areas in the state.

According to him, “I want to commend you for initiating this visit and assure you of my full support to the autonomy of local government, state legislature, and judiciary in the state.

“Nasarawa Assembly under the leadership of Rt. Hon Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi is local government-friendly.

“We will continue to legislate and pass resolutions that will promote good governance and strengthen democracy at the grassroots.”

The lawmaker states the core requirements for grassroots development. “To strengthen democracy at the grassroots needs collective efforts. When they visited the House, Mr. Speaker had already assured NULGE officials from North Central states, stating that Nasarawa Assembly would do what they wanted. 

” I want to assure you that when the National Assembly sends the bill to the House, we will give full support and vote to favor local government autonomy. 

” But you must be prepared to receive local government autonomy by ensuring that you tackle absenteeism, truancy, and lateness to duties among local government staff in the state.

” You must also join hands with chairmen and overseers of development areas to bring positive changes to the system.

” We must sanitize the system for the benefit of grassroots development and for the overall development of the state,” he said.

QUALITY REPRESENTATION

He has assured of quality representation in the state legislature.

Hon Alkali commended Gov. Abdullahi Sule for prioritising the welfare of local government staff among other workers in the state.

Meanwhile, Chairman NULGE, Lafia Zone, Mr. Obaba Obenu, said that the visit was to solicit the support of Hon Alkali in local government autonomy, financial autonomy of the state legislature, and state judiciary, among other demands.

” We are here to appeal to you to support the autonomy of the local government council.

” Our demands include passage of local government financial autonomy, administrative autonomy to ensure rapid grassroots development,” he said.

The NULGE Chairman assured Hon Alkali of their readiness to support him to succeed.

The visit had Mr. Isah M. Mohammed, NULGE Chairman, Lafia municipal, Mr. Nasiru Kasimu Akanza, Chairman, NULGE Lafia North, Hon Yahuza Adamu, Overseer, Lafia North Development Area, and Hon Ibrahim Shuaibu Lako, SSA to Gov. Sule among others in attendance.

E/Suzan O.