The Nasarawa State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has solicited a cordial working relationship between Administrators and members of the 18 Area Administrative Councils in the state to drive grassroots development.
The Chairman of the committee, Mr Musa Ibrahim, made the call on Friday during a meeting with the administrators of the 18 Area Administrative Councils in Lafia.
Ibrahim said meaningful development would not be achieved in an atmosphere of disunity.
He noted that the engagement was aimed at strengthening the relationship between the administrators, the house, and members of their respective councils.
The committee chairman said the house would not relent in performing its oversight and checks-and-balances role effectively.
He said the house had received a petition from the Forum of Area Administrative Councils Members.
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“The petition is titled: ‘Complaint Against Maladministration in the Area Administrative Councils of Nasarawa State and Alleged Actions Capable of Undermining APC Structure and Council Activities at the Grassroots by the Administrators’.”
Ibrahim advised the Administrators to ensure effective synergy among themselves and to carry all members along, as provided by the law establishing the councils.
The chairman said among the allegations was that the administrators were not carrying their members along, which contravenes the law.
Other issues raised, he said included project execution, the expenditure of N15 million renovation funds, and other monies released to the councils.
Ibrahim assured that appropriate action would be taken in accordance with the law.
He also commended Gov. Abdullahi Sule for executing massive projects across the state and urged the administrators to align with the policy direction of the state government.
“It is incumbent on the administrators to account for all finances, both inflows and outflows, and to ensure that they carry their members along in all activities, as provided by the law establishing the Area Administrative Councils, for peace, unity, and development of rural areas,” he said.
Responding, the Chairman of the Forum of Area Administrators and Administrator of Loko Area Administrative Council, Mr Shu’aibu Umar, appreciated the house for inviting them to the meeting.
He described their appointments as a privilege that they would not abuse.
Umar thanked the Speaker, House members, and the committee for their consistent support, particularly in establishing the councils.
He said, as products of the institution, they would operate in line with the laws establishing them.
He added that they were making efforts to carry everyone along, especially their members.
Umar also appreciated Gov. Abdullahi Sule for his support and assured him and the state assembly of their absolute loyalty and cooperation.
(NAN)
