—Lists projects across 18 LGAs as proof of proper fund utilization

 

 

 

The Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, Cross River State Chapter, Chief Yibala Inyang, has told the factional PDP governorship candidate, Sir Arthur Jarvis, that local governments in the state are *not underfunded.

 

Inyang, who is also the Chairman of Yakurr LGA, was reacting on Friday to Jarvis’ allegation at a press conference at the NUJ Secretariat, Calabar, that LGAs are being starved of funds and that poverty is worsening at the grassroots.

 

He described the claim as “unfounded and politically motivated.”

 

“That’s a total fallacy because the local governments are having the best in terms of funding,” Inyang said.

 

He added that the present administration has devolved enough powers to LGs to enable them execute projects and partner with the state government on critical interventions.

 

“In this administration, we have power to the level that local governments are doing projects and partnering with the state to intervene in critical areas such as health, sanitation, local security and infrastructural development,” he said.

 

The ALGON boss defended the joint account operated between the state government and the 18 LGAs, saying it was backed by an enabling law and has ensured financial stability.

 

“Without the joint account some LGAs won’t be able to pay salaries and handle running costs in some months because of low allocation. That is why in this administration no LGA is owing salary in the state,” he explained.

 

Inyang cited ongoing projects in Yakurr and across the 18 LGAs as evidence that funds allocated to LGs are being properly utilized.

 

He listed road construction, farm road drainages, culverts, mini bridges, market rehabilitation and construction of new Primary Health Centres, PHCs as some of the interventions.

 

“This is the first time in the history of Cross River that you have a governor who allows funds meant for local governments to be used to carry out developmental projects and interventions in our various wards,” he said.

 

The ALGON Chairman challenged Sir Arthur Jarvis to *provide facts to support his claims of underfunding and increasing poverty at the grassroots.