PROFILING LG CHAIRMEN
LG STUDY NETWORK in collaboration with ' letters to the editors platform 'of media Houses [ Tribune , the nation, vanguard,daily independent etc] will be profiling the achievements of outstanding council chairmen of the 774 LG to the Press.

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Jeff Nkwocha
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                                           Musa  Wada
                                        Media consultant, Abuja      
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Isah’s performance in Ankpa LG of Kogi

Chance, they say, governs all things; necessity, which is far from having the same purity, comes only later.

The emergence of Honourable Isah Abdul as the Chairman, Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State is an interesting tale of destiny. Or how else would one view the story of a seasoned bureaucrat holding the reins in the stormy, intriguing yet strategically important entity in the polity of Kogi state?
That is so because Isahis a simple, unassuming and focused civil servant at the local government level, who attained the pinnacle of his career as Director of Local Government.

But as chance would have it,while a peaceful retirement beckoned, a transition saw him calling the shots in Ankpa council being the DLG.
This development set a mood of expectations,cynicism and of course skepticism across the council. Again that was so because it is a very difficult task to govern people as this is regarding the council, it becomes even more complicated.

Good a thing, MrIsahdid not disappoint in the expectations cast upon him; he has proved that cynics only know the price of everything and the value of nothing.

The skepticism that built up he also ensured only remained notional to those who so nursed it. He proved, once again,that with challenges comes a man true mettle.

Through experience and determination he brought Ankpa council to the dawn of a new era. Juggling pragmatism and nuance,he was able to calm nerves and restore peace and security in the area by bringing stability and balance into the political ruling class, traditional institution and government business.

In the course of time,he built for himself a reassuring solid track record of administrator par excellence. Little wonder then when in 2001-2002, Prince Abubakar Audu, a former governor of the state, appointed him the sole administrator for the council.

During this period too, he displayed increased obligation to duty and dedication to performance. He is committed to integrated health and education as well as environmental sanitation.

He is famous for the involvement of community members and other stakeholders in the playing of key roles for achievement of developmental objectives.

Needless to say, since becoming DLG, Isah Abdul face has become a recurring decimal on the threshold of governance in the council. Following the dissolution of councils in the state by Governor Idris Wada, he was appointed to the position of liaison officer 1, a position he continued to occupy until his election as the chairman of the council.

The ambition and strength to move the council ahead on a sustainable course of growth is a necessity to which he must rise in order to justify the people trust and meet their yearnings.

•Musa Wada, 08035937424, writes in from Abuja.

Wednesday, 19 June 2013

Published in Letters Tribune Newspaper

Hon Ibrahim’s strides in Kogi’s govt

Gone are the days when leaders thread with conscience and are mindful of accountable stewardship. Gone is the era when leadership commits to general will and ensures better living conditions for the masses simply because it is their rights to be so provided for.
In these times of self-serving leadership disposition, finding one man who holds himself conscientiously accountable to the people, while wielding the strength, mystery and glory of leadership is akin to discovering an oasis in a desert.
There is still such a man in Honourable Umar Ibrahim, the Chairman, Bassa Local Government Area of Kogi State. Ibrahim is a true testament to the desirable quality of our humanity and a worthy example of leadership.
Famous for his self-effacing humility, Honourable Ibrahim is both a successful businessman and politician. His philanthropy and concern for the less privileged is legendary.
He once told a friend that he would rather the earth opens up and swallows him than he goes to see a people in unpleasant circumstances and unable he unable to help out.
He is given to self-denying sacrifice so much so that he gives much of what he has to those who need more. Honourable Ibrahim, for as long as anybody can remember, has continued to extend the sympathies of his heart in what seems like an avowed determination to see that life deals a fair share to all humanity and that those whose time it is to die would die happy knowing that the best of what life had in store for them.
He has demonstrated that the fullness our hearts more the size of our bank account is a true measure of our humanity.
It is not surprising then for all good deeds never go unrewarded, that Honourable Ibrahim was appointed as special Adviser to Governor Ibrahim Idris on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
In this position, he is reputed to have deployed his amiable personality and diplomacy in bringing about needed transformation and probity in the affairs of the department.
He continued to endear himself to the people who in turn yearned to have him in loftier positions.
The people’s wish for their man was granted when following the dissolution of the local government councils in the state, he became the liaison officer 1 for Bassa council.
Within the few months that he served as liaison officer 1 for the council, he recorded remarkable achievements which included among others the building of a modern local government secretariat, a standard central mosque, completion of the new NYSC lodge, vigorous pursuit of the upgrading of electricity to the national grid,as well as repairs and extension of road networks in the council.
Today, Ibrahim sits as the Chairman of Bassa Local Government Area of Kogi State and the people are in an upbeat mood,filled with expectation dream and hopes of a rendition of his characteristic goodness.
The challenges before him are legion. From household poverty to educational backwardness and inadequacy of institutional and social infrastructure,Honourable Umar must live up to his midas touch reputation.

•Musa Wada (08035937424 writes from Abuja.

Published in Letters in Tribune Newspaper

Monday, 24 June 2013 00:00

Local Government Autonomy is the answer.

Local Government Autonomy is the answer. The Senate and House of Representative have respectively set up committees to review the 1999 constitution and the senate President David Mark, in setting up the 47 member senate committee had posed a number of questions. He asked, “How effective are the Local Government? Should they be made to function independently to the States? Is the joint State/Local Government Account still necessary? The question of Local Government effectiveness and the State/Local Government joint account has being in the front burner for a long time and it was generally agreed that anything short of granting administrative and fiscal autonomy to LG councils will not be acceptable to Nigerians. To buttress this point, let us look at the contributions of some prominent Nigerians in the issue. In one of his lectures captioned, “the individual, the party and National Unity”, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi wrote, ‘then we have the issue of whether we have a two-tier Government or three -tier Government. The constitution is very clear because it refers to the third-tier as a Government but all the State Governments are united as one in not regarding the Local Government as an autonomous tier of Government. When all the Governors speak with one voice for a change I get very worried. But it sounds schizophrenic to me for the State Governors to be consistent in loudly advocating that the powers and financial allocations to the centre should be reduced, that the Federal Government should get off their backs, and yet, at the same time, they are not prepared to sanction and recognize the autonomous status for the third-tier of Government. Again, on the question of whether the State/Local Government account still necessary, let’s hear out what the former ALGON National President, Felix Akhabue said, “A situation where allocation already made to the Local Government by the Federation Account Committee (FACC) is subjected to redistribution by the State Government is a clear breach of the constitution. The question is can the Federal Government police funds disbursed to the State Government from the Federation account? The answer is clear No, then where those the State derive the legal and moral backing to do the same to the local Government. Statutory allocations to each tier of Government should be sacrosanct. It is only by being so that you can hold that tier of Government responsible and accountable. Senator Ike Ekweremadu, towing the same line also wrote “In 2002, the State Government brought a suit against the Federal Government for deducting first line charges for joint venture investment in oil sector, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation priority projects and external dept service. While the supreme court judgment favoured the State Governments, it appears that most States are guilty of the same act as the Local Government in many instances have continued to suffer fiscal emasculation in the hands of State Governments. Finally, now that we have the opportunity to amend the constitution, let us determine once and for all the uniform policy of Local Government administration with regard to structure, tenure, administrative independence and fiscal autonomy. This is the only way we can guarantee even development to our communities and spread the dividends of democracy to the people. Jeff Nkwocha LG Study Network 08030485016

Prince Abass Aleshinloye and Development of Oluyole Local Government Area

Prince Ayodeji Abass Aleshinloye

Local government councils are the arm of Government closest to the grassroots and from which people and the communities expect the most dividends of democracy but this hardly come true because of lack of adequate funding,undue interference from state governments etc.



Regardless, some smart managers of these establishments have been able to use the limited resources at their disposal to make appreciable impact on local communities.



For instance, Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo Sate has been reworked under the able leadership of Prince Abass Aleshinloye, the executive caretaker committee chairman. Prince Aleshinloye anchored his developmental stride on Road construction, health care delivery, education and workers welfare.



Indeed, a major milestone has been achieved in road rehabilitation, he has not only embarked on massive grading of all earth roads, he has flagged off the tarring of major road at Odo-Ona Elewe and Olomi side at Ile Sheu.



On healthcare delivery, Hon. Aleshinloye policy of partnering with Non Governmental Organization like the Lions Club is paying off as over 1150 free eye glasses has been distributed across the LG Area. 30 patients receive free surgery operations and there is a program of free medical check-up to the people. Education is not left out as free exercise books are procured and distributed to secondary and primary school pupils on regular basis.



In rallying support for his Government from corporate organizations, NGOs and other stakeholders in the council Area, Prince Aleshinloye said, “we believe that government cannot be running all alone and you cannot sit down and be waiting for the monthly allocation, we have to move so as to be able to do things for the benefit of our people''.


Jeff Nkwocha

LG Study Network

warri Delta State

www.nigeria-loca-government.blogspot.com

08030485016

Hon.Nsirim and Obio/ Akpor LG re-election victory

Hon.Nsirim and Obio/ Akpor LG re-election victory

Written by Jeff Nkwocha Tuesday, 28 June 2011
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There is a big lesson to be learnt from the outcome of the last LG elections in Rivers State, in which the incumbent chairman of Obio/Akpor LG , Prince Timothy Nsirim, JP and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won overwhelmingly.

The lesson for politicians who hold public office is that the electorate do appreciate and indeed reward outstanding performance by holders of public office. In the case of Obio/Akpor LG, the people truly appreciated the monumental achievements recorded by Hon. Nsirim's administration during its first tenure.
This appreciation was expressed in the ballot box which gave him 118,026 votes to trounce his closet rival who got 1,349 votes.

But Prince Nsirim's success in the polls did not come overnight. It was a product of four years of hard work and transformational leadership offered by his administration in the Local Government council.On assumption of office in 2007, the LG Boss left no one in doubt about his mission to transform Obio/Akpor to a model council Area.

He has proved to his people the essence of developpmental governance at the grassroots. From the length and breadth of Obio/Akpor Local Government are torrents of excitement of Nsirim's laudable achievements and success story.

Prince Nsirim JP, has in the past four years taken the administrative political entity within his jurisdiction to higher pedestal and invariably raising the standard of living of the people in complementing the developmental initiatives of the Governor of Rivers State, Right Honourable Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi. Nsirim, within the period under review, implemented projects in various sectors and Wards in the local government.

On road projects Nsirim committed council funds to provide 16 link roads in various parts of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council. The link riads include: Chakara/Mission Road Choba, 1.2 km; New Jelusalem Road Eliozu, 1.2 km; Rumuesara Road Eneka, 1.1 km; Palace Street Woji, 400 meters; Thompson Ichegbo Street; Rukpakwadima; Rumuodomaya, 450 meters; Anaka Road Ogbogoro, 900 m; Odoluku Road Elelenwo, 1 km; Isaiah/Odolu Road Rumueme, 1.1 km; Okocha Street Rumuigbo, about 600m; Ihunwo Street Rumuepirikom; Canaan Avenue Rumueperikom, 480 m; Worlu Street Rumuigbo, 400m; Omarunma Road Rumuadolu, 1.1 km; Wobo Street Rumueme, 600m; Amadi Street Rumueme, 1.2 km; Oriebe Road Ozuoba, 1.2km; Okoa Street; Rumuigbo, 400m.
Other projects include Clearing and Dredging of Rumueme Section of Ntawogba Channel; Reconstruction of Parade Ground and Council Cenotaph; Face lift of Rumuokoro and Rumuokwuta Roundabout with National colours.

In fulfilment of his campaign promise to empower women, widows, youths and create employment, Nsirim embarked on market projects to boost commerce and encourage handicrafts. These include International Market with state of the art abattoir at Rukpukwu; 20 open stalls at Rumuagholu Market;
20 open stalls at Rumuoduwere Elelenwo; Lock-up shops at Rumueme; 20 open stalls at Eliozu Market; 20 open stalls at Rumueme Market; Lock-up shops Rumueme; 20 open stalls at Mgbuoba Market; 20 open stalls at Ozuoba Market; 20 open stalls at Rumuekini; 20 open stalls at Elelenwo; 20 open stalls at Rumuolumeni Market, Rumunduru Origwe; 20 open stalls at Rumuokwurusi; 20 open stalls at Rumuoliumeni; 20 open stalls at Rumuodomaya; 20 open stalls at Eriebe; 20 open stalls at Oginigba; 20 open stalls at Rumuomasi; 20 open stalls at Mgbuosini Ora, Azi Rumueme; 20 open stalls at Eliopranwo; 20 open stalls at Mile 4 Market, Rumueme; 20 open stalls at Obi Wali road, Rumuigbo; 20 open stalls at Rumuokwuta; 20 open stalls at Ahia Ezi, Rumuoji Eneka; 20 open stalls at Rumuepirikom Market, etc.
The chairman also constructed standard boreholes in several communities of the 17 wards of the local government area to provide portable water to the indigenes. Communities that benefitted from this scheme include: Rumuodara, drilling and installation, Ward 1; Oroigwe, reactivation/maintenance, Ward 1; Mgbuesilaru and Rumunduru, Ward 2; Rumuokwurusi and Atali, Ward 3; Rumuodomaya and Rumuobochi, Ward 4; Rumuodunwere and Rumueheleze, Ward 5; Oginigba and Rumuogba, Ward 6; Eliogbolo and Elieke, Ward 7; Ayolu nu Inyanwa and Rumuezeolu Community, Ward 8; Elioparanwo and Wike Road, Ward 9; Oro-Akor and Oro Azi, Ward 10; Rumukpakani and Rumuchiolu, Ward 11; Rumuomi and Rumuorosi, Ward 12; Olanada and Rumuoganuolu, Ward 13; Rumuehinwo and Rumapu, Ward 14; Rumuekini and Alakahia, Ward 15; Ozuoba and Rumuokwachi, Ward 16; Mgbuakara and Mgbuoshimini, Ward 17; Rukpokwu Water Scheme with generator; Council Secretariat Water Scheme and a lot of other water projects for various communities.

The take over of the payment of primary school teacher's salaries by the State Government generated respite for Nsirim. The council boss utilized the funds that would have been expended on salaries to provide succour for the less privileged and disabled students and scholars of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. Some of the beneficiaries include: Igwe George (Trainee Pilot), Professor J. O. Akaninwor (International Research), Adiele Favour. Others include Akandu Ikechi, Chimene Chinda, Emenike Eziwho, Amadi Collins, Igweh Bright, Kunge Ozioms, Job Peter O., Ndamati Bright, Omakalu Kamalu, Ozuru Philip, Weli Oluwene, Worlu O. charles, Worlu Amaewhule.

Nsirim also sponsored over 30 students to Law Schools in Abuja, Enugu, Lagos and Kano. The governor's policy thrust of overhauling, strengthening and delivering efficient and effective, affordable primary, secondary and tertiary health care services to the people, received a boost in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. In his complementary responsibilities Nsirim spent public funds on the implementation of policies and programmes on Roll Black Malaria, HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, leprosy, as well as environmental health.

In the recent Health Care Delivery Survey by World Health Organization (WHO) in Rivers State, Obio/Akpor Local Government was declared the best among the 23 local governments.

On power generation,several communities in the 17 Wards, notably Eliowhani, Rumuekini, Rukpakolusi, Rumuchinda, etc, were provided transformers by the chairman to enhance electricity distribution. Skills acquisition facilities were provided at Rumuepirikom. These include: computers, printers, Office furniture, for business centers, as well as hair dressing equipments for saloon and sewing machines.

Despite land constraints, the incumbent Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council built an ultra modern fish farm at Rumuekini, to boost agricultural productivity.

Though not necessarily considering this as achievement but expected responsibilities, it is remarkable that the Chairman renovated six office blocks, provided utility vehicles and modern office furniture.

This compendium is widely believed to have situated Nsirim within the realm of superintending grassroots developmental governance that is in compliance with Millennium Development Goals and capable of generating potent stimulant for growth and sustainability of democracy in Nigeria.

Jeff Nkwocha
LG Study Network
www.nigeria-local-government.blogspot.com
08030485016

Reform Local Government system now

Date Published: 06/16/11

Reform Local Government system now by Jeff Nkwocha


Dear Editor,

Federal government has initiated a number of reforms to position the financial Institutions, the police, electoral system and Nigeria stock exchange for service delivery.Nigerians were taken aback to learn that several attempts to reposition LG system since 1999 had failed.

In one of his lectures with the theme, Reposition local Government administration to meet the challenges of vision 20-20-20, senator Ike Ekweremadu said,"It also logically follows that without prejudice to problems requiring policy interventions and political will, the local Governments need constitution review interventions to reposition them for challenges of good governance, sustainable development and vision 20-20-20.

In the same vein, the sun newspaper in its recent editorial page had highlighed the plight and the way forward for the third tier of government and I quote, "Local government administration and control remains one knotty problem in the present democratic dispensation. Since the restoration of democracy in the country 12 years ago, the Federal Government has oftentimes been at loggerheads with the state governments, particularly over the composition of local governments and the control of their funds. The disagreement between the Federal and state governments has its roots in how the councils are managed, especially with regard to their expenditure.

The major bone of contention is whether the management of the councils should be the responsibility of the states. The other issue is that the local government system has been so greatly undermined to the extent that it cannot effectively play its role as agent of development at the grassroots, in spite of huge monthly allocations from the Federation Account. Some overbearing state governors who withhold huge chunks of council funds undermine the local government system in the Nigeria.

Within the last couple of years, several attempts made to resolve the issue stretched to the Supreme Court. On more than three occasions in the last 12 years, the apex court delivered landmark judgments on issues affecting management of local governments. One of these judgments was on the tenure of local council leadership. Another held that the Federal Government had no right to withhold council funds. The 1999 Constitution, as recently amended, has created more problems, as many issues remain unresolved.

Everything considered, the future of local governments appears bleak if genuine review of the system is not carried out urgently. The present arrangement is no longer consistent with emerging democratic realities. Any meaningful review must be such that should be based on the peculiar exigencies of the states. It is in the best interest of fiscal federalism to allow the states arrange how best to run the councils.

With 12 unbroken years of democratic practice, nothing less than a strong and reasonably independent local government system that will drive development at the grassroots will do. The time has come for the political leadership of the country to work out a roadmap for the management of the local governments in line with their constitutionally assigned duties. The new arrangement must determine, clearly, such issues as the mode of election, tenure of elected members as well as income generation, accountability and financial control. The current situation in which local governments exist at the mercy of state governments is no longer acceptable. We, therefore, call for a review or outright abolition of the states/local governments joint account to allow for more autonomy for the councils, albeit with in-built mechanism to check financial recklessness by council leaders.

Democracy achieves its purpose when the interests of the people are well served. That noble objective will continue to be undermined if the local government system as presently constituted is not comprehensively reviewed.

If we are to promote rapid development in this country,effective changes has to be effected in our councils areas.

Jeff Nkwocha

LG Study Network

www.nigeria-local-government.blogspot.com

08030485016

State Governors and LG’s allocations

State Governors and LG’s allocations

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in its economic report for the third quarter of 2011 announced that the total receipts by the 774 LG councils from the Federation and VAT pool Accounts for the period of July, August and September was N493.77 billion. The question is does this money actually reach the local government councils. The answer is No. Media report indicated how allocations to LGAs’ were been high jacked by state governors, used for electioneering campaigns, shared among traditional rulers, political God-fathers, members of state assemblies or out rightly diverted to non-exiting projects.

The latest criminal fad now is state governors redistribute allocations to LG from the federation account and give less than N20 million to each council to pay salaries, and take care of their overhead costs.

In his memo to Nigerians, Hon. Felix Akhabue, National President of Association of local government of Nigeria ALGON, said, ‘A situation where allocations already made to the local governments by the Federation Allocation Account Committee (FAAC) are subjected to redistribution by the state government is a clear breach of the constitution. The question is can the federal government police funds disbursed to the state governments from federation account. The answer is a clear NO. Then where does the state derive the legal and moral backing to do the same to local governments. Statutory allocations to each tier of government should be sacrosanct; it is only by being so that you can hold that tier of government responsible and accountable’.

If we are to reposition our councils for effective services delivery to the people, eradicate poverty, provide infrastructure, the constitution should be amended to stop meddling with council finances by the states.



•Jeff Nkwocha
LG Study Network
Warri Delta state
www.nigeria-local-government.blogspot.com
08030485016

Anambra LG poll: waiting for Godot?

Anambra LG poll: waiting for Godot?


SIR: The non conduct of local government election in Anambra State since 1999 has continued to attract wide condemnations not only in the statebut all over the country.

Governor Babaginda Aliyu of Niger State has urged Nigerians to exercise their constitutional rights by forcing out state governors subverting the nation’s constitution by using caretaker committee chairmen to run LG councils areas. He made a particular reference to Anambra state when he stated, “I am made to understand that only nine states have elected councils in the country and about 27 states are yet to conduct election for their local government councils in fact, there is a state that since 1999 has never had election.

Why has Anambra State chosen to work at cross purposes with other state governments when it comes to local government development in the country? No matter their claim over rural development, the essence of creating local government which is to bring governance closer to the people, to preserve heritage and common interests of the communities is already defeated in the state.

The Anambra State government led by Governor Peter Obi has perfected the art of postponing LG poll every year. On December 4 2010, LG election was postponed after nomination fees were collected from aspirants. This year again, the November/December date has become untenable after the chairmanship aspirants paid a whooping N1 million to pick nomination forms. Governor Peter Obi will be advancing all sorts of excuses why council election will not hold in the state ranging from lack of fund, insecurity, new voters card but forgetting that the same challenges were faced by other state governments that conduct LG polls in their states.

According to Professor Titus Eze, the former Anambra state Independent Electoral
Commission, ANSIEC chairman, “this atmosphere is intentionally created to enable them not to hold the council election ad-infinitum. Perhaps, the crux of the matter is huge monthly allocation meant to local government’.

Let Gov. Obi take a cue from Gov. Sullivan Chime of neighbouring Enugu State who has been consistently conducting LG poll without even appointing caretaker committee chairmen.

• Jeff Nkwocha,
Warri, Delta State.

Halt mass sack of LG Chairmen

Halt Mass Sack Of LG Chairmen
The Constitution of Nigeria states in Section 7(1): “The system of local government by democratically elected local government councils is under this Constitution guaranteed and, accordingly, the government of every state shall ensure their existence.”
For years, this section has been observed largely in the breach, otherwise how we can reconcile the fact that Anambra State, for example, is yet to conduct LG elections since 1999?
Also, in Bauchi State, the entire 20 LG chairmen were suspended for eight months for an offence that indicted none of them.
In Owerri, similarly, the Court of Appeal has ordered the Abia State Government to reinstate the 17 sacked LG chairmen because they were yet to complete their tenure.
In Kaduna State, the state House of Assembly is set to replace the 17 LG bosses with Sole Administrators, even before the expiration of their tenure in March next year.
The political intrigues in Benue State, coupled with the so-called LG reform, had not only swept 12 LG chairmen out of office but also landed them in the EFCC’s net.
Today, there are no worthy examples of local government councils across the land, even as Governors who have sworn to uphold the Constitution violate section 7 (1) among others, with embarrassing ease.
The tier of government at the grassroots needs to be rescued from extinction. A situation where elected LG chairmen can be sacked by the trio of state governors, state assemblies and the legislative arm of the council areas can no longer be acceptable to Nigerians.
•Jeff Nkwocha
LG Study Network
08030485016

Impeachment of Patani LG chairman in bad fate

Dear Editor,

Impeachment of Patani LG chairman in bad fate The impeachment of the only female LG chairman in Delta State, Mrs. Josephine Abeki, by the legislative arm of the council was in bad fate. According to the leader of the Legislative council, Mr. AKpor Ebimobowei, the chairman was removed because of her failure to render statement of income, expenditure and annual report to the legislative arm for it to consider in order to ensure accountability and enforce performance ethics. Mr. Ebimobowei and his co-travelers could only tell this to the marines, they have other reasons other than what they want the world to believed .Right from day one, they were hell-bent to impeach Hon Josephine Abeki. It is on record that a prominent Nigerian and the President of Ijaw youth council worldwide ( IYC), Dr. Chris Ekiyor had earlier cautioned Patani LG councilors to put an end to their protracted power struggle. Dr. Ekiyor said “the councilors must follow due process in all their demands, they should rise above selfish claims and legislate for the good of the citizens they represent. He added that, “they should respect constituted Authority especially the LG chairman.” The question now is, how would the councilors selfish demand corroborate with failure of the LG Boss to render income and expenditure account as alleged by the councilors. We the members of LG study network are calling on the Delta state House of Assembly to investigate the alleged offences of Mrs. Abeki. We have seen cases where an elected LG chairman was removed from office for the simple reason that he fail to approve large sum s of money as Christmas bonus to the councilors. Punishment for any LG chairman should be in consonance with the law and not at the whim of the members of the legislative arm of the council. Jeff Nkwocha LG Study Network www.nigeria-local-government.blogspot.com 08030485016

Dissolution of LGAs

Dear EDITOR


The House of Representatives reportedly ‘ordered’ the Inspector-General of Police, Hafiz Ringim, to provide adequate protection for the 16 local government councils’ chairmen sacked by Ekiti State Gov. Kayode Fayemi to return to their offices. The Reps further ‘mandated’ the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Finance Minister to start withholding – “with immediate effect” – funds designated for both Edo and Ekiti states – “and any other state that may toe a similar line” – pending when the governors reverse their decisions to lock-out the chairmen from their offices.



That was how the house of representative reacted to the unconstitutional dissolution of council Areas in Edo and Ekiti state.

It will be recalled that the court of Appeal sitting in Owerri had declared as illegal the dissolution of '2004 LG Regime' by Abia State Government. The judgement stated in clear terms that the elected LG Chairmen and chancillors had not lapsed their tenure in office. The court verdict was greeted with jubilations across the state but little did the people know that a bad precedence had been set in motion by the state Government.

Today, Ondo,Oyo, Edo, Kebbi and Ekiti states have jumped into the bandwagon.

In Ekiti state, Gov. Kayode Fayemi dissolved the 16 LG councils without recourse to the house of Assembly.

According to Chief Bola Olu – Ojo, the state Chairman of PDP, “The governor does not have any constitutional backing in dissolving councils that were legally constituted neither does he have moral and constitutional justification in doing so without recourse to the state House of Assembly.

“’The councils, as it is presently constituted, can not be dissolved without the approval of the two-third members of the state House of Assembly who are presently on official trip to Germany. So, where does he derive the power?”

Olu-Ojo pointed out that it was very sad and unfortunate that Fayemi who used to claim that he is an apostle of rule of law and a human rights crusader has now turned against the law flagrantly without minding the consequences.

He wondered why the mandate given to the 16 local government chairmen and 177 councillors by the people of Ekiti State could just be withdrawn by somebody who swore to defend the country’s constitution.

The party chairman warned Fayemi against actions that could throw Ekiti State into chaos, adding that the party will not accept any illegality and will mobilise against it.

In the same vein, Gov Saidu Dakingasi of Kebbi State did not only dissolve the 21 LG council in the state mid way into their tenure but also defiled court ruling ordering their reinstatement .

It look the Federal Govt. intervention to reinstate the sacked LG chairmen in Ondo state in 2009 while Gov. Adebayo Alao Akala of Oyo State dissolved the council Areas in Oyo state the same day he was inaugurated in may 29 ,2007.

We the members of Local Govt. Study Network are calling on the National Assembly to commence a review of the laws dealing with local government

administration in the nation to see how real autonomy can be granted the third tier of government

Dissolution of Local Govt. Councils midway into their tenure is tantamount to civilian coup d'etat.
Jeff Nkwocha
LG Study Network
www.nigeria-local-government.blogspot.com
08030485016

Hon. Ogieh and Isoko South LG Development.

Hon. Ogieh and Isoko South LG Development.
The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to stormy present.
The occasion is piled high with difficulty and we must rise with
the occasion. As our case is new, we must think anew, and act anew.
-------- Abraham Lincoln

In a recent news report, the Delta state Gov. Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has commended the chairman of Isoko South LG, Chief Askia Ogieh for various people oriented projects he has excuted in the council Area.
Uduaghan made this commendation at Oleh, Headquarters of Isoko South LG while commissioning a cassava processing factory built by the council boss. The cassava processing plant which he has successfully executed has the capacity of employing 100 persons with over 500 farm -hands supplying the plant.
Inspite of initial hiccup by the legislative arm of the council in the administration of the local Government, Hon Askia Ogieh has risen up to the occasion to develop Isoko south.
He has constructed a drainage system in Oleh motor park, built chairman”s Quarters, Legislative Building , Water Board Road in Emede with interlock tiles. Rehabilitation of Oleh Abattoir and construction of Toilets and water Boreholes for Ozaha primary school,Oleh and staff of the local Education Authority
.
Again what endeared Chief Ogieh who is also the chairman of Association of local Govt. of Nigeria (ALGON) Delta State , to his people was his passion to industrialise his council. His Industrial policy contrasted sharply with other LG Chairmen who think that what it take to develop their LG Area is to adorn their council secretariat with ornamental tress and paintings
.The concerned citizens of Isoko for instance noted that since the chairman resumed office, he had" pursued with vigor the execution of his electoral promise within the contexts of the three point agenda of the state Government.
In the same vein, Gov. Emmanuel Uduaghan was quoted as saying that the cassava processing plant cum industralisation of isoko south is a challenge to the state government,
Finally, when critical indices for industrial Development in the third tier of Government is put on scale, Isoko South LG will surely occupy an enviable position.
Other council chairmen should borrow a leaf from Ogieh.

Jeff Nkwocha
LG Study Network
www.nigeria-local-government.blogspot.com
08030485016

Court victory for Local Government

Court victory for Local Government
Yola High Court,declared that Adamawa state House of Assembly has no constitutional powers to reduce the tenure of office of local government chairmen councils in the state, midway into the electoral process.The court presided over by the state chief judge, Justice Bemari Bansi, therefore declared as void, null and unconstitutional and of no effect, the amendment to the Adamawa local government law administration by the Assembly in 2008.The controversial amendment reducing the tenure of the local government councils in Adamawa state, from two and a half years to one year, by the state House of Assembly, was challenged by the Adamawa state branch of Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), at the court. Delivering judgment in the case Justice Bansi held that the attempt by the legislative arm to reduce the tenure of duly elected chairmen, after they had commenced electoral process under the law stipulating two and half years, amounts to move to create anarchy and restiveness in the state., stressing that eguity demands that they be allowed to complete their tenure before any changes.He wondered why the Constitution of the Federal Government provides a four- year term for the President, the Vice President, the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, local government council chairmen and other elected representatives and wondered why the Adamawa state Assembly is attempting to muscle the constitution.Bemasi, stated that the one year term of office for local government council chairmen as envisaged by the Adamawa House of Assembly was only applicable to the state out of the 774 local governments in the country.The judge described as uneconomical and waste of public resources, for the state government to be conducting local government’s elections on a yearly basis.He added that the state government spent over N798 million to conduct the 2008 local government election, saying for government to be spending such among on yearly basis amounts to waste of resources.
This landmass legal victory for LG is significant in the sense that ALGON should not shy away from taking legal action against repressive policies of most state Assembly over council Areas across the country.
They must cease to be dominated and squelched by higer levels of Government, state and Federal.

Jeff Nkwocha
Local Govt. Study Network
www.nigeria-local-government.blogspot.com
08030485016

ON BEST PERFORMED LOCAL GOVERNMENT DEVELOPMENT AWARD 2009

ON BEST PERFORMED LOCAL GOVERNMENT DEVELOPMENT AWARD 2009
Success in life is based on hard slogging. There will be period when discouragement is great and upsetting, and the antidote for this is calmness and fortitude and a modest, yet firm belief in you competence.---------Walter Annenberg

We, the member of local government study Network write to commend the National Assembly for the recent award for best performed local government chairmen across the country. This award will surely promote competition in terms of rural development among LG councils in Nigeria .
According to Hon. Emmanuel Adedeji, chairman House committee on states and local Government Affairs, he said that “The essence of the award is to ginger performance at the most critical level of governance in Nigeria . It has been variously alleged that local government administrators are corrupt and that they only receive allocations and share same without giving any thoughts to development of their areas.”
Adedeji continued “All we did in collaboration with the consultants who toured the whole country with us was to insist on quality and to ensure that only deserving chairmen are recognized for the award.” The criterion used according to him was to mandate the consultant first seek for nominations from all the thirty six sates governors in their respective states and the federal capital minister. The governors were asked to nominate three chairmen each while the FCT minister was to nominate only two for the award. Those nominated he disclosed were followed up with visits to projects and all these were recorded visually and evaluated for the committee to arrive at the final list.
We therefore give kudos to the 110 deserving LG chairmen in recognition of their contributions to the concept of good Governance in the country. They should redouble their efforts as they have proven themselves as role models for other LG chairmen to emulate.
Again, it would be of interest here too, to have a run down of some the awardees.
In Abia states, the senate committee on LG matters had conferred on Hon. Ezebunwa ubani of Ugwunagbo LG, Stanley Ojibo of Ikwuano LG and Sylvanus Nwaji of Ukwa west LG as best performed local Govt. chairmen in the state.
Others are Chibuike Jonas (Arochukwu LG), Emenike Okereafor (Bende LG) all in the same state.
Hon. Akeem Adesina of Obafemi Owode LG, Abayomi Tella of Ado-Ode Ota LG and Titus Olusoji of Yewa North , came out the best in Ogun State.
In Lagos State, Hon Husitode Moses Dosu of badagry LG and Yinka Durosimi of Ojo LG were adjudged the best performed in the state while Stanley Buba of Akwanga LG took his turn in Nasarawa state.
Delta state had Hon. Chukwudi Dafe of Ukwuani LG as the best.
River state produced Hon. Ephraim Nwuzi [ Etche LG] as the best performed LG chairman and Hon. Nasiru Gawuna of Nasarawa LG of Kano state was the overall best in Nigeria.
kaduna State had Hon. Gideon Yakubu Morik [Jama'a LGA]and Aminu Abdullahi of Zaria LG.
Oyo state ,Hon. Oladele Olakunle of Ibarapa East,Kwara state Aliyu Muhammed Salihu of Baruten LG.
Others are Dr. Badamasi Lawal of Charanchi LG and Hon. Nasiru Bawa Shambo, Executive chairman of Rijau LGA coming out best in Katsina and Niger States respectively.
In infrastructural category,Hon. Princewill Ukaegbu of Umuahia North of Abia state was best in Rural Integration while Dr. Amaechi Ugwu of Oji River LG of Enugu state came out best in water provision.
In Housing, Hon.Sunday Obaro Pedro of MopaMoro LG of Kogi state was the best and Dr. Zebulum Rabenson [Billiri LGA],Gombe state was best in Education.

Finally, some council bosses came out with multiple awards . They include Hon. Matthew Olory of Akamkpa LG of Cross River state, who merited the triple award as best performed LG chairman in the state, best in south south zone and second best in the country.
In the same vein, Dr (chief) Mrs. Tosin Aluko, Chairman Ado-Ekiti LG was conferred with the best female council chairman in Nigeria and best performed LG chairman in Ekiti state .
Hon. Uche Anioke, Agwu LG Boss of Enugu State was number one in the state and third best in Nigeria.

Jeff Nkwocha
Local Government Study Network
www.nigeria-local-government.blogspot.com 08030485016

LOCAL GOVERNMENT RESEARCH WORKING PAPERS

LOCAL GOVERNMENT RESEARCH WORKING PAPERS
Capacity Building Manual On Local Govt. Administration & Management

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION AND DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA -120PAGES
By Olisa Agbakoba, SAN


1]EVOLUTION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS - 11Pages

2]LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND DEVELOPMENT - 17Pages

3]GOOD GOVERNANCE IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT - 25Pages

4]ADMINISTRATION OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT.- 17Pages

5]FINANCING AND BUDGETING IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT.-30Pages

6]CIVIL SOCIETY PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION. - 12Pages

7]LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY FOR SERVICE DELIVERY IN NIGERIA: By Stuti Khemani (World Bank Research Consultant).- 35Pages

8]ACCOUNTABILITY AND EFFICIENCY: FORMAL CONTROLS AND PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT IN 9]NIGERIA LOCAL GOVERNMENT SYSTEM By: Dr. Godwin Onu (Unizik) - 20 Pages.

9]FISCAL FEDERALISM AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCE IN NIGERIA IN NIGERIA: AN EXAMINATION OF REVENUE RIGHTS AND FISCAL JURISDICTION By S.T.Akindele, O.R. Olaepa, A. Sat Obayan (OAU) -26Pages.

10]ESSENTIAL KIT FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION - 20Pages

[A]LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION UNDER 1999 CONSTITUTION By: Kunle Awotokun (OAU)
[B]IDENTIFYING COMMUNITY NEEDS, RESOURCES, AND DEVELOPMENT .
[C]COMMUNICATION SKILLS FOR GRASSROOTS DEVELOPMENT .
[D]TENSIONS AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION
[E]LOCAL GOVERNMENT SYSTEM IN NIGERIA

11]LOCAL GOVERNMENT TAX MOBILIZATION AND UTILIZATION IN NIGERIA: PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS BY ADENIKE A. ADEDOKUN Dept of Local Govt. Studies, Polytechnic Ibadan. - 23Pages

12]FISCAL FEDERALISM AND SERVICE DELIVERY IN NIGERIA: THE ROLE OF STATES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS BY Stuti Khemani;- 25Pages (World Bank Research Consultant)

[13]HANDBOOK; A COMPREHENSIVE GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEY OF 774 LG FEATURING HEADQUARTERS,POPULATION,AREA SQUARE KM AND HIERARCHICAL ADMINISTRATIVE SUBDIVISION CODE[HASC] --20 PAGES

[14] “Repositioning the Local Government System for Sustainable Development through Constitution Review ----by senator Ike Ekweremadu[ Depute senate President]

[15]Local Government Administration and the Challenges of Rural Development in Nigeria --by Dr.Dare Arowolo

These Research manuals are intended to enable Local Government Administrators, others various interest groups and grassroots constituencies
reach and understanding of issues in Local Government Administration.

-Mr. Olisa Abgakoba, SAN
Ex. President, Nigeria Bar Association, NBA.
(Expert on Local Government Law.)

EACH OF THE WORKING PAPERS COST N5000.00 + COURIER DELIVERY.TO ORDER PAY TO;
ACCT. NAME JAPHET NKWOCHA,DIAMOND BANK ACCT. NO 1511060001087.TEXT THE TELLER NO. & YOUR POSTAL ADDRESS TO 08030485016

Hon.Adewale and Amuwo-Adofin LG Development

Hon.Adewale and Amuwo-Adofin LG Development



At a times when politics got tough in amuwo odofin local government, especially on who should be the next chairman of the local government , people were saying a lot of things that comrade Ayodele was young and that he could not pilot the affairs of local government.
Today,all those negative thoughs have been proved wrong by the performance of the executive chairman, comrade Ayodele Adewale.I believe in the adage that says ' tough time do not last but tough men do last.'
Comrade Adewale various landmark achievement ,visionary ,well-focused agenda, remarkable innovations, people-oriented and quality leadership have proved him the best man for the job.

I sincerely commend the leadership and political prowess of council boss. What the opposition thought he could not do he has done better. And of course this exemplary commitment has clearly enshrined his name in the history book of Amuwo Odofin local government and Nigeria in general.
The administration of the local government under the leadership of comarade Adewale has actually touched every facet of life in Amuwo Odofin local government..
If I should go by statistics, 50 street sweepers, 50 green club memebers, 30 drain duck workers, 143 street protectors/defenders,66 cleaners for public schools and 50 young men for man o'war, just to mention a few, have been employed within his 200 days in office.


The Amuwo-Odofin executive chairman comrade Ayodele Adewale , has embarked on building and renovation of schools, and also promoting education standard by purchasing JAMB and GCE forms for students in the council.

The council boss said that he has purchased 500 JAMB and 600 GCE forms for students who are willing to further their education to tertiary institution , in addition to free tutorial class for indigenous students to promote education in the aera.

Comrade Adewale said ,' we have constructed a block of six classrooms at Avenue primary school at Igbologun primary school,renovation of 3rd Avenue primary school, production of 220,000 exercise books and of 13380 uniforms for public primary schools in Amuwo-Odofin local government council.

In another development the renovation and upgrading of facilities at the public health center in mile2 and Festac, complete with equipment and free medical treatment to residents are also said to have become operational. Provision of medical equipment to Igbologun PHC, employment of seven doctors, two pharmacists to improve the health centre services have been put in place as regular EPI progammes, free diabetes and hypertension tests.

His administation has sisncerely treaded on the path of honour by fast tracking all the needed developments within the local government.He deserves kudos for work well done so far.

Jeff Nkwocha
Local Government Study Network
www.nigeria-local-government.blogspot.com
08030485016
NB;LG PROFILES IS ONGOING,CONTACT US FOR YOUR COUNCILS PROFILES

Non conduct of LG election in Anambra State

Dear Editor.

Non conduct of LG election in Anambra State

Why is it always Anambra State ? This was a statement credited to one of the Northern State Governors on the socio-political impasses in Anambra state.

Anambra state is the only state that is holding election in 2010, one year short of general election in Nigeria as a result of political palaver.

Anambra state also earned a special status in many other ways. Apart from being the first in the history of the country to record what could be termed the first civilian coup d’etat, it also took the same position in many other national developments. It is the first state where a sitting governor lost his or her position on the basis of a successful election petition, the first where a governor failed to celebrate a month in office.

It is on record that Anambra State is the only State that had not conducted local government elections since 1999, ten full years into the present political dispensation. By this singular act, the State government has not only alienated the people from having their representatives close enough to serve them but has denied them the much cherished dividends of democracy. This was exactly what President Umaru Musa Yar’adua had in mind when he said, “It is our abiding belief that failure in instituting an acceptable process by which the representatives of the people are chosen will definitely resort in failure in the long run. Yes Anambra State has failed in the long run, no good road Network, no water , no security of life and property,corruption and money laundering is now the order of the day.

We the members of Local Government Study Network are calling on the people of Anambra State not to vote for any governorship candidate that has no plan to conduct Local Government election.



Jeff Nkwocha
Local Government Study Network
www.nigeria-local -government.blogspot.com

08030485016

SUSPENSION OF SOBA LG BOSS IN BAD FATE

SUSPENSION OF SOBA LG BOSS IN BAD FATE



Those who are smart to engage

in politics are punished by

being governed by those

who are dumber--Plato

The suspension of Alhaji Kawu Yakassai, the executive chairman of Soba Local Government of Kaduna State was done in bad fate. This is a man who was suspended on alleged offence of making payment on non-existing projects but the preliminary report of the committee investigating him has exonerated him.



The Chairman Adhoc Committee investigating his alleged offence, Alhaji Bashin Idris Aliyu was reported as saying, “we have inspected some of the projects executed by Kawu Yakassai, we found out that nearly all projects were in place. Some projects had been completed while others are undergoing completion.

But most importantly, we have found all projects to be in place. So, the committee will now come together to work on our series of observations.

We therefore commend Alhaji Bashiri Aliyu who is also the majority leader of Kaduna House of Assembly for his unbiased report.



Nigerians will like to see a situation where an alleged offence of any Local Government Chairman is first investigated before been suspended. This will save the innocent ones from unnecessary embarrassment.



Jeff Nkwocha

Local Govt. Study Network

www.nigeria-local-government.blogspot.com

08030485016

Local Govt and denure reduction burden

Local govt and tenure reduction burden
By sJeff Nkwocha
Sunday, July 19, 2009
• Photo: Sun News Publishing
•More stories on this section

In a recent report, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Oyo State Chapter, threatened to protest to the state House of Assembly if the lawmakers went ahead with the plan to reduce the tenure of chairmen and councillors in the 33 local government areas from three to two years.

According to the state NANS president, Monsuru Adeyemo, the lawmakers’ plan was capable of causing confusion in the state.

The question is, what is the interest of the lawmakers in pursuing this line of action? What stops elected council administrators from enjoying four-year term like the president, governors and members of the national and state assemblies?
Political observers now understand that lawmakers do not project the interest of the people. Rather their stand on local government tenure is borne out of petty jealousy and retaliatory reactions.

For instance in Nasarawa State, it was on the eve of local government election, when the candidates of the governor sailed through against those nominated by the lawmakers that they went back to their chambers to reduce the tenure of local government to one year.

In the same vein, the current face-off between the House of Assembly and council chairmen in Oyo State might not be unconnected with some petitions allegedly written to the anti-graft agencies by the council bosses against the lawmakers. Some of the council chairmen were not happy with the way they were compelled to pay certain amount of money to lawmakers from their respective councils.

Are we degenerating into what a renowned philosopher, John Webster, said: “A politician imitates the devil, as the devil imitates cannon. Wheresoever he comes to do mischief, he comes with his backside towards you.” God forbid!

•Jeff Nkwocha
Local Government Study Network
www.nigeria-local-government.blogspot.com
08030485016

Otirhue and okpe LG Development

Otirhue and okpe LG Development
Hon. Joseph Otirhue, the Executive Chairman of Okpe Local government is revered by his people for his knack for development and his ability to carry the people along in his administration. Otirhue is one of the 25 council chairmen in Delta State who have completely aligned his developmental strides with the 3 points agenda of the state Government on people and security,human capital and infrastructural developments.

On assumption of office, he earmarked N25m to be given out as loan to indigenes of the area who are traders .This singular act has not only empowered the people but it has also beef up the socio-economic life of the council Area.

He promised his people that he will complete all abandoned project before embarking on new ones, soon after the Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has commissioned the ultra modern office complex and other projects within his 100days in office.

On his peace agenda ,he purchased a Toyota Hilux pickup van for the police patrol in the area. He also believed that to nib youths restiveness on the bud and reduce unemployment, he has organized skill acquisition programmes for the youths in various trade, football club and training talented players were been sponsored across the LG Council.
Education and Health were given top priority in Hon. Otirhue’s administration. He has purchased books worth millions of Naira for primary and secondary schools in the council on health, the Okpe LG boss has embarked on Anti-hypertensive care campaign, deworming exercise for children between the ages of 9 months to 15 years.
He has also ensured that the monthly local immunization program is carried out to the letter.
The Okpe LG Council is working in collobration with the state Primary Health Care Development Agency for the treatment of tuberculosis, leprosy, River blindness for Okpe citizens.
Infrastructural development which is one of the cordinal programe of the state Government is also vigorously implemented in the council area.
Otirhue administration has completed 80,000 litres –capacity solar powered water supply at Merese
, an ancestral town of the Okpes.
In the same town, he has built 5 blocks residential quarters for the Police.In fact, at the moment more than 27 projcts has been embarked upon, some have been completed while others are on going.
Finally if other LG council chairmen are working as much as Hon. Otirhue, the call for scrapping of the third tier of government couldn’t have arisen, let other LG bosses borrow a leaf from Hon. Joseph Otirhue.

Jeff Nkwocha
Local Government Study Network
www.nigeria-local-govwenment.blogspot.com
08030485016