A member of the Governing Board of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Sam Onuigbo, has commended the Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, for his directive that Local Government allocations from the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) be paid directly to council treasuries.
Onuigbo described the decision as bold, commendable and a sterling example of transparency and ethical leadership that other state governors should emulate to ensure that President Bola Tinubu’s reform initiatives yield tangible dividends at the grassroots.
Onuigbo, who also chairs the Security, Special Intervention and Climate Change Committee of the NEDC, said Governor Zulum’s action would be remembered by posterity as a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
According to him, the governor’s declaration rekindles hope in the country, especially as it comes from an incumbent state chief executive, noting that it vindicates long-standing advocacy for Local Government financial autonomy.
Boosting Transparency
He recalled that Governor Zulum recently ordered the direct payment of monthly federal allocations to the 27 Local Government Areas of Borno State, explaining that the move was aimed at boosting transparency and empowering council chairpersons to drive grassroots development.
Onuigbo said the directive courageously aligns with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, democratic due process and the collective interest of the masses.
“My attention was drawn to a piece of joyous report regarding Your Excellency’s firm directive that the monthly federal allocations to the 27 Local Government Councils of Borno State should be paid directly to the various councils.
“I was particularly elated that the directive was intended to boost transparency in local government finances and empower council chairpersons to fast-track grassroots development.
“I am highly excited that such a succinct directive came from an incumbent state chief executive. Over the years, I have been at the forefront of advocacy for the financial autonomy of Local Government Councils, often at great personal and political cost,” he said.
Financial Constraints
Onuigbo, a former two-term member of the House of Representatives and former commissioner, said he had firsthand experience of how financial constraints imposed by states hindered council chairpersons from effectively discharging their constitutional responsibilities.
While praying for divine wisdom for Governor Zulum, he expressed optimism that Local Government chairpersons in Borno State now have the opportunity to prove their capacity by tackling insecurity, unemployment and anti-social behaviours among youths.
He also recalled President Tinubu’s call on state governors to allow funds accruing to states to trickle down to the grassroots to ease the economic hardships facing Nigerians, stressing that democracy can only deliver meaningful dividends when every tier of government performs its constitutional role.