PDP accuses Kaduna Governor of ‘diverting’ N53bn LGAs allocation
The Kaduna State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has accused Governor Uba Sani of directing the 23 local councils in the state not to touch their over N53 billion October statutory allocation without his permission.
A statement by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Maria Dogo, said in a statement that the governor’s directive was a clear circumvention of the Supreme Court judgment that granted the local councils full autonomy.
“This blatant act of circumvention is a clear violation of the autonomy granted to local governments by the Supreme Court of Nigeria. To say the least, Governor Uba Sani’s actions are not only illegal but also undermine the democratic principles of equity, fairness transparency, Justice, the promotion of good governance, and accountability,” the PDP stated.
It claimed that the governor had issued a strong warning to the 23 council chairmen, “directing them not to tamper with the funds allocated to their respective councils and that they should await further directives on the application and utilization of the funds.
“This warning was said to have been conveyed while the governor was away from the state in his usual and characteristic manner of an absentee Governor; he was said to have hurriedly returned to shamefully take control of the funds.
“This is one case that will form the fulcrum for future bastardization of local government funds. Our concern is that should such a new trajectory of usurping LG funds be allowed to continue the intention of seeking autonomy for the local councils which is to enable the free flow of funds to them and for infrastructural projects will be defeated.”
The PDP cautioned the local council officials not to allow themselves to be used as instruments to siphon federal allocations meant for their respective LGAs.
“There are credible allegations that Kachia and Kaduna North local governments were left with paltry sums of N600,000.00 and N1.5m respectively for their administrative enterprises,” the statement added.
“The PDP urges the good people of Kaduna State to remain calm and vigilant. They should demand probity and accountability from the government.
“We equally call on the anti-graft agencies to keep to their mandate and promise to investigate the utilization of funds accruing to the local government councils. Only by so doing will the funds be put to effective use and those engaging in untoward sharp practices brought to justice, especially the so-called council chairmen,” it stated.
The PDP said it remains committed to providing credible opposition, ensure the sustenance of democracy and good governance, as well as fight for the rights of the people of Kaduna state by holding the government to account.
