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Governor Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State, on Monday, said financial prudence cannot be guaranteed under autonomous local government administration.
Gaidam made the observation, in Damaturu, after swearing into office, 17 newly elected local government chairmen in the state.
He said past experience had shown that financial recklessness was more pronounced under autonomous local government administration.
“It is my considered personal opinion that those calling for complete financial autonomy for local government councils should exercise caution.
“My position is informed by our experience in local government administration in the state over the years when, local governments receive their statutory share from the federation account directly.
“Some of the unpleasant experiences include financial recklessness, large scale mismanagement of funds and failure to pay workers salaries for months,” the governor said.
Gaidam urged the newly inaugurated chairmen to prioritize agriculture for food security, employment and revenue generation.
He directed the chairmen to embark on biometric staff audit to check the menace of ghost worker syndrome in the local councils.
The governor also urged the councils to support security agencies and pay more attention to education and healthcare delivery.
Gaidam said the successful election of local government councils in the state had entrenched democracy at the grassroots level. (NAN)
