Starrays
In a shocking development, the 276 councilors in Benue State’s 23 local governments have threatened to embark on an unscheduled protest to draw attention to their plight. According to sources, the councilors are fed up with the Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters’ alleged stranglehold on the local government system, which has left them in a state of despair.
Investigation revealed that the councilors are unhappy with the lack of financial transparency, poor welfare, and lack of capacity building. Specifically:The councilors are not aware of the financial inflows and outflows of their councils, and legislative council approvals are not sought for fund withdrawals.The councilors collect a meager N133,000 monthly allowance, which is insufficient to enable them to effectively serve their constituents.
Statutory allowances, such as wardrobes and furniture, have not been paid in almost a year.Councilors have not attended any workshops or seminars since the inception of the current administration and sections of 2007 Benue State Local Government Law as amended are been deliberately contravened by Bureau of Local Government and the Local Government Chairmen.
The councilors are demanding that lawful government with features of democracy returned to Benue State Local Governments.
Thus, asking the government to scrap the Bureau of Local Government and grant local governments the autonomy they need to function effectively.
They are also calling for:Financial autonomy for local governments, Improved welfare for councilors, capacity building through workshops and seminars,accountability and transparency in financial dealings and abolition of the Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.The councilors have warned that they will embark on a protest at any moment from now to let the world know what they are passing through. They are also demanding the sack of the Special Adviser on Bureau for Local Government.
The Benue State Government is under pressure to take immediate action to address the councilors’ grievances and grant local governments the freedom they need to deliver quality services. The people of Benue State deserve better governance, and it remains to be seen whether the government will prioritize their needs.
