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AIYEDATIWA CHARGES LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ON TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY
The Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa has said that he is not opposed to the Local Government autonomy but noted that its implementation must be within the confines of the law.
Aiyedatiwa stated this on Monday at the opening ceremony of a 4-day sensitization training for political office holders and top management staff of local government service in Ondo State.
The workshop tagged: “ Economic and Financial Administration of Local Councils in Nigeria” was organised by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crime Commission ( EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission ( ICPC) and Ondo State Public Complaints, Financial Crimes Age Anti- Corruption Commission ( SPFACC).
The Governor emphasised that autonomy comes with its responsibilities noted that the workshop was a deliberate intervention aimed at reversing the factors that had undermined the trust that had hindered developmental aspiration of people at the grassroots.
He further stated that the workshop would enhance the participants’ understanding of governance principle, strengthen their leadership and management capabilities.
The Governor stressed that the workshop would also promote synergy and collaboration between the participants and career civil servants at the local government level.
According to the governor, political office is not a platform for personal enrichment but a sacred duty to promote the welfare of the citizens at the grassroots.
He added that his administration is determined to entrench a culture of accountability, efficiency and result-oriented governance in all tiers of government.
Aiyedatiwa promised that his administration would continue to support initiatives that would promote transparency, fiscal discipline, and effective monitoring and evaluation at the local government level.
Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro noted that the workshop had the full backing of the governor to address critical aspects of local governance.
Takuro said as the closest tier of government to the people, local government has primary responsibility of delivering essential services and fostering grassroots development.
He stated that the workshop would enhance capacity of the participants with contemporary knowledge and skills required for efficient and effective local government administration.
The Commissioner added that the workshop would as well reinforce accountability by reiterating the principles of transparency, accountability and prudent financial management.
Earlier, the EFCC Director in the Benin Zonal Office , Mr Effa Okim commended the state government for its collaboration with the anti-graft agency and its commitment to fight fraud and corruption.
Okim said the collaboration was key towards the development of the state, adding that the effort must be sustained for equal distribution of wealth and effective service delivery to the people.
He frowned at individuals without genuine sources of income being richer than the society, saying government at all levels must be responsible and accountable.
Similarly , the ICPC Resident Anti- Corruption Commissioner for Ondo and Ekiti States, Mr Tiku Menge-Andrew, commended the state government for taking proactive measures in combating corruption and promotion of accountability.
In his remarks, the Secretary of the SPFACC, Prof. Adewole Adeyeye, lauded Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwafor his commitment that had brought synergy among anti-graft agencies towards good governance in the state.
According to a statement signed by the Head of Media and Publicity Unit of the Ministry, Abooluwa Famakinwa, the Secretary promised that SPFACC would make necessary contributions to enhance the participants’ capacity.
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