A former federal lawmaker, Rep. Sam Onuigbo, has praised Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno State for his recent directive that Local Government funds from the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) should be sent directly to the councils.
He described the move as a bold step towards grassroots development and a testament to the power of transparency and accountability in governance.
Zulum had penultimate week ordered direct payment of monthly federal allocations to the 27 LGAs in the state.
Onuigbo, a member of the Governing Board of North East Development Commission (NEDC), said that Zulum ‘s action was not only commendable, but also sets a sterling example for other governors to emulate.
He stated this in a commendation letter to the governor, stressing that it ensures that President Bola Tinubu’s reform initiatives bear fruits at the grass roots.
Onuigbo, the Chairman of Security, Special Intervention and Climate Change Committee in the NEDC, told Zulum that posterity would remember his emblematic gesture of transparency and ethical leadership.
He informed Zulum that his declaration that Local Government Council funds should be routed directly to council treasuries rekindles hope in Nigeria.
He said that the directive vindicated his stance that democracy could not be felt at the grassroots mainly because of state governors’ control of council allocations and the LG system.
Onuigbo, a two-term member of the House of Representatives for Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South, Abia, said he decided to commend the governor for the courage and purposeful leadership he demonstrated.
Part of the letter read: “Your Excellency, I am highly excited that such succinct directive came from an incumbent State Chief Executive.
“I feel vindicated, because over the years, I have been in the forefront of advocacy for the financial autonomy of Local Government Councils.
“My call on your colleague governors to take their hands-off Local Government Council funds was at great personal and political costs.
“As a former Commissioner in my state, as yourself, I had first-hand knowledge of how far financial constraints hampered Local Government Council bosses from optimum performance of their constitutional responsibilities.”
