By Andrew Oota
The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria(ALGON), Benue state chapter has assured that it will do all within its reach and powers to ensure that the third tier of government is ridden of official financial sleaze and malfeasance in all financial transactions .
The ALGON equally commended the state Governor, Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia for leading the anti-corruption crusade in the state by ensuring transparency and accountability in government.
Benue state ALGON, further stated in a communique issued at the end of a two-day workshop organized by the Economic And Financial Crimes Commission ,EFCC in Abuja that no nation or society that massages and harbours corruption has ever made meaningful development.
Chairman of Benue State ALGON and caretaker chairman of Konshisha local Government who represented ,Hon Kolade David Alabi, ALGON National President ; Honourable Phillips Achuah in an opening remark said the workshop was necessary,giving the critical roles played by Local Government Administrators at the grassroots .
According to him,” Worried by the endemic consequences of corruption and transparency gap in both government and private sectors, and in keeping faith with the Renewed Hope Agenda -of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in which fighting corruption and ensuring tra~transparency is a priority.
“The event focuses on transparency and accountability in governance at local level, with Local Government officials as key participants.
“The training will also enhance the preventive measures against corruption and financial crimes as well as inculcating international standard best practices among officials of the 3-tier of government, thereby deepening good governance at the grassroots” .
On his part , the Special Adviser to the Benue state Governor on Bureau for Local Government And Chietancy Affairs,Dr Dennis Akura
Special Adviser to the Executive Governor of Benue State on Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon Dr Dennis Akura commended the EFCC for bringing the local government council chairmen up to speed with what constitutes financial crime and the need for them to obey laid down financial rules and regulations.
He appreciated the Governor for approving the workshop that will enhance the capacity of local government chairman and his favourable disposition for transparent and prudent leadership style.
He called on the Caretaker Committee Chairmen across the 23 Local Government in Benue State to put the knowledge acquired during the workshop exercise into practice at their various local Government areas.
The communique signed by the Benue ALGON boss, Hon. Philip Achuah, the association stressed that the giant strides and physical developments embarked upon by the state Government and the immense support to the third tier of government are deliberate policies to ensure that development trickles down to the grassroot .
The statement read in parts ,” Since assumption of office of the 23 local government council chairmen in the state , our Governor made it crystal clear that it will no longer be business as usual and everyone of us got message that this government will have zero tolerance to corruption , laziness and any anti-people policies.
“The people are the reason we are in government and we are all clear-headed about the need to ensure that things are done differently and for the overall good of our people .
” We commend our amiable Governor for remaining focused on tackling the very issues that have taken Benue state years backwards and have hindered development.
” Benue is already ahead in terms of war against corruption and every public office holder in Benue has no option than do what is right . So for us in Benue state, we have transparency, accountability and prudence as our watch words and we all have keyed into the Governor’s vision “.
