Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom has said that he would not tamper with the funds meant for local government in the state so as to allow development at the grass roots.
Governor Ortom made the promise at the swearing in of the 23 local government chairmen at IBB square, Makurdi yesterday.
He charged the newly elected local government chairmen to fast-track development at the grassroots.
Ortom who promised financial autonomy to the third tier of government however warned the council chairmen not to act as sole administrators but to always engage in consultation with stakeholders to avoid suspicion, distrust and acrimony that would slow down governance.
“As elected leaders, you should shun the temptation to operate as sole administrators. You should carry along your Deputies and Councillors, as well as other stakeholders who would help you in the delivery of services in health care, education, agriculture and other areas of need to the local populace.”
“I want to make it clear to all of you that the era of sharing government money with cronies or so-called elders is over. Government money is only for development purposes to positively touch the lives of the majority of the people.”
Ortom warned that his administration is committed towards ensuring safety of lives and property of the people of the state, hence, vowed to deal ruthlessly to anyone who floats the anti-grazing bill recently signed into law by his administration.
He said that his government had performed well at the grassroots despite the lean resources accrued to the state and charged council chairmen to work towards stepping up internally generated revenue in their respective council areas to complement monthly allocation from federal government.
The Chairman of Gboko Local Government area, Mrs. Becky Orpin who responded on behalf of the chairmen assured the governor and the people of Benue State of their readiness to serve the people.
“We will assist government in the ongoing transformation agenda and justify our election by the good people of Benue State,” the new chairman said.
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