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From Layi Olanrewaju, Ilorin
Chairman of Dass Local Government in Bauchi State, Mohammed Jibo, has applauded the harmonious relationship between the state government and the local government councils in the state.
Speaking on the sidelines of a media tour of local governments in the state, Jibo attributed the harmonious state of affairs to the support of Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, who he said, has ensured that grants to the local governments were duly transmitted.
“Despite concerns about local government autonomy, Bauchi State has consistently supported us, with our grants untouched by the state government. We know what is coming from the federal level and the state governor still supports us with grants to carry out projects at the grass root level,” he said.
Describing the local government autonomy as a positive step towards institutionalising effective federalism, he observed that it would be difficult for the third tier of government to singlehandedly undertake mega projects without the support and collaboration of the state governments and even the Federal Government. To Jibo, collaboration and effective stakeholders’ involvement are vital success factors at the local level.
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His words: “Local governments cannot work or carry out mega projects without the support of the state government and even the Federal Government. They must meet at some points in order to accomplish a solid project. If they rely on their grants only, there are certain projects they cannot carry out.”
Listing the benefits of autonomy, Jibo said that his administration was consolidating on the award-winning rural infrastructure drive of the Bala Mohammed administration by extending primary health care centres to the wards and villages, procurement of modern farm tools, such as tractors and fertilisers to aid the farmers and the construction of shops for local businessmen, areas where he said the local government has recorded great success.
Among Jibo’s several people-centred projects is the provision of a fully equipped office for the Bauchi Road Traffic Agency (BAROTA).
The agency, which was established by the Bala Mohammed administration has not only been instrumental in tackling traffic challenges all over the 20 local government areas of the state but has become a major source of employment, security management and a catalyst for infrastructure development.
