Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has lamented that despite the allocations made to the local government areas of the state, none of the chairmen has invited him to commission any project.
Speaking during the inauguration of the state’s committee set up to investigate and audit the financial transactions of the 23 Local Government Councils from May 2018 to May 2019, Wike said that when he was chairman, he invited the then governor, Peter Odili to commission projects.
Wike while clearing the air, said the committee is not aimed at removing any Council Chairman or official, but targeted at improving probity and accountability in the 23 Local Government Councils of the state.
According to him: “We are not trying to remove any Local Government Chairman, but it cannot be business as usual in the 23 Local Government Areas.
“We want to know how the Local Government Councils spend their Local Government Allocations. I have never interfered in the administration of Local Government funds.
“I am not one of those governors that interfere with Local Government funds”.
“I have found out that there is no Local Government Area where you see a single project. When I was Local Government Council Chairman, we executed projects. For me, I invited the State Governor at the time, Dr Peter Odili to commission projects. No local Government Chairman has invited me to commission a project “,
Wike urged the committee to live above board, saying that if he gets Information that any Local Government Chairman or Godfather attempts to compromise the committee, the committee will be dissolved.
“People must sit up and account for funds of the Local Government Councils. Ask for bank statements, ask for money from Joint Account, ask for the salaries and allowances. If they spent any funds the day I visited, they should state it. We cannot continue the way we are going.
“At the end of every month, they come to JAC meeting. We must know how the funds are spent. Also, check which Local Government Councils collected loans when they are not backed to do so without authorisation”.
He said that the committee has three weeks to submit its report. He stated that the State Government counts on the integrity of members of the committee to deliver on the assignment.
Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Committee, Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo said the audit is a tool aimed at ensuring the proper use of Local Government funds for the development of the respective areas.
“The efficient running of Local Government Councils will add value to the achievement of the vision of the Governor. The committee will work in line with the terms of reference of the Governor “, she said.
