…Sent Strong Warning To LGAs On Financial Recklessness
By Saeed Ahmad Bappah, Gombe
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Olukoyede Olanipekun, has commended Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, for his commitment to accountability, transparency and good governance in running the state and local government areas.
Mr. Olukoyede made the commendation during the opening ceremony of the Gombe State Local Government Summit, held at the International Conference Centre in Gombe.
He noted that “Despite the meager resources allocated to Gombe State from the federation account, Governor Inuwa Yahaya has successfully implemented various developmental projects that touches the life of the citizens”.
The EFCC Chairman urged other state governors to emulate Gombe State’s prudent financial management and transparency in local government administration.
He however cautioned local government chairmen against misusing their newly granted financial autonomy.
He warned that “EFCC would not tolerate any form of misappropriation, we will deploy more personnel to Gombe State to monitor fund management as none of the local governments is enjoying immunity.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Aliyu, called on local government authorities to enhance their knowledge of financial management laws.
He stressed the importance of transparency and compliance with financial regulations to ensure efficient resource management.
He advised them to be more digital in governance by creating websites and other social media handles for them to be more closer to their people and accept criticism as a way of improvement and moving forward.
In his speech Secretary to Government of the Federation represented by Permanent Secretary Political and Economic Matters Office Mr Nadungu Gagare said “Autonomy is not an avenue for syphoning public funds, but for consolidations of development to local populace”.
He cautions the local government chairmen to be conscious of public funds spending and copy from the governor of Gombe State for implementing people’s orientation projects.
Earlier, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya reaffirmed his administration’s support for local government autonomy, recognizing its crucial role in national development and grassroots governance.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to local government autonomy, federalism and support to state governments.