Abolish States, LGAs Joint Accounts – NULGE

The President of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Rivers State, Mr Franklin Ajinwo, has called for the amendment of the Nigerian Constitution to abolish the section that provides for joint accounts between states and local governments.
Ajinwo, who made the call in a Radio Nigeria interactive programme, Democratic Platform, recently, said local government councils cannot embark on any meaningful projects because they do not have access to their funds from the federation account.
While condemning some state governors for running such accounts as personal ones, Ajinwo, emphasized  that direct funding of local government councils will bring development to the rural areas.
“The problem and handicap of local governments is that instead of their own revenue coming directly to them, it passes through state governments.
“Once it enters the joint accounts, most states hijack what ought to go to the Local Government Areas   as if it is part of the state funds”, he said.
According to the NULGE boss, some states use such fund at their discretion, not minding if salaries of local government staff are paid or not.
While condemning the practice of appointing caretaker committees for Local Government Areas, Ajinwo, advocated for administrative and financial autonomy for Local Government Areas in the country.
“If this money goes directly to the LGAs, certainly they will have access to their funds as at when due.
“They will be able to plan for it and also be able to know how much they have for a particular month and plan for salaries and other expenses, including projects”, he said.
One of the callers, also lent his support for LG autonomy.
“Nigeria should follow the constitution and give Local Government Areas their own right and let the states and federal government supervise them.
Ajinwo further called on the Rivers State House of Assembly to support the amendment of the Nigerian Constitution to abrogate the state and local government joint account.