…swears in SSG, CoS, HoS
From Amos Ebute Mathew, Kaduna
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani has said his administration will continue to grant the 23 local governments in the state financial autonomy, while tasking them on developmental projects that would touch the lives of everyone.
Speaking when he received local government chairmen in the state on courtesy visit on Monday, Governor Sani urged the council chairmen to eschew political, religious or tribal sentiments in their dealings with the people. He said local government is the most important tier of governance because it is the closest to the people, while calling on the local governments for support in building sustainable peace to enable the people overcome the challenges foisted upon them by the crises and insecurity previously witnessed in the state.
“The local governments in Kaduna state have been enjoying financial autonomy in the past eight years and our administration shall continue with that. Local governments chairmen should focus on developmental projects, the era of buying items and distributing to the people is over. The state government would partner with local governments for joint projects on infrastructural development but we need to know what project will benefit our people most.
“The era of politics is over, there should be no sentiments, no party, religious or ethnic differences in the projects. Safety and security is the major focus of our administration, we shall work closely with the local government administration to build trust with the people. Intelligence gathering will be used effectively. Our administration will prioritize development of the rural areas by extending infrastructure to all local governments especially the rural local governments.
“In executing rural development programme, we shall adopt all inclusive approach where local government chairmen as key stakeholders will be carried along. Traditional rulers, faith based organisations, women organisations will also be involved.”
Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) Kaduna state chapter and Chairman of Lere local government, Hon Abubakar Buba said the council chairmen are at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House to congratulate Governor Uba Sani on his inauguration, to pledge their support and readiness to work with his administration. He requested for periodic citizens’ engagement to bring the people closer to government. “We would appreciate for us to have a quality meeting for us to be on same page, for you to be abreast with what is happening at the local government level.
Governor Sani had earlier inaugurated the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, Head of Service, Habiba Anana Shekarau and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Sani Liman after they were sworn into office. He tasked them to ensure the delivery of dividends of democracy to the people of the state based on the 7 point agenda, SUSTAIN. “Safety and security, Upgrade infrastructure, Strengthen institutions, enhance Trade and investment, Invest in human capital and Nurture citizens engagement”.