The Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Kebbi state chapter, has indicated readiness to fully enjoy the financial and administrative autonomy granted local government councils in the country.
However, it observed that some councils would not be able to stand on their feet on salary payment under the new dispensation.
Chairman of ALGON who is also the Chairman, Birnin Kebbi Local Government, Alhaji Muhammad Dahiru Nayaya Ambursa, affirmed this while interacting with newsmen Monday.
“We are fully prepared to start enjoying local government autonomy, but it makes no difference in Kebbi”.
“Our leader, Comrade Nasir Idris, has given full protection to the rights and privileges of local government councils, in finances and other necessities.”
“The fear is that, there are six local government councils in Kebbi which will not be able to pay workers’ salary even with full autonomy, without assistance from the state government.”
“Local Government Councils must be carefully sensitive in the implementation of autonomy.”
“Recently, Local Government Chairmen brainstormed in Katsina on autonomy, we discovered that some local government authorities will not be able to pay the salary of workers with autonomy in motion”,
“In Katsina state, eight local government councils and six in Kebbi, will have difficulty in salary payment, this is the stark reality”, Ambursa said.
He disclosed that Governor Nasir Idris had given approval to Birnin Kebbi Local Government to acquire a large expanse of land behind Unguwar Dembo, near Birnin Kebbi, for the construction of a new cemetery.
“The present site is nealy full, 100 hectares have been acquired of which four hectares belong to the state government.”
“A total of N144 million has been earmarked for the payment of compensation to the land owners.”
“Governor Nasir Idris has also provided funds to all the 21 local government councils in Kebbi to reconstruct their secretariat buildings which have been done throughout the state, they have been transformed into modern edifices”, the ALGON boss added.
