Get Guardian on GoogleThe Plateau State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Ephraim Usman Gar, has praised the Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang for upholding the tenet of the local government autonomy in the state.
Gar stated this yesterday at the ministry while briefing journalists and presenting a summary report of the statewide project inspection tour across the 17 local government areas of the state.
He pointed out that the ministry had overseen the operation of all the local councils and chieftaincy institutions in the state including Districts and Village administration.
Commending the governor for upholding the autonomy of the local administration in the state, the commissioner said that if resources were not released to them as expected, all they had done very well would not have seen the light of the day like radio stations, functional television and so on.
“His Excellency, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has never in any way, interfered or demanded for us or direct the local government chairmen on what to do with their resources.
“Let me tell you clearly that it is even the state by His Excellency Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang that supports the local governments where they are lacking”, he argued.
For Gar, he would like the journalists to demand clearly the sharing formula for the local governments so that they can be monitored as necessary.
“His Excellency Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang does not interfere anywhere in respect to resources of the local governments. That is why I stand tall this morning to address the press. He does not interfere in any way with the local administration on the Plateau,” he stated.
In terms of security, he commended the local government administrations as they have their own security outfits to train and take care of their councils and communities.
“It is important to emphasise that the ministry is charged with the responsibility of inspecting, monitoring, providing technical assistance, guidance and advising Local Governments on administration and financial matters as well as coordinating the activities of Local Governments for the realization of their statutory functions and objectives.
“The purpose of the tour was to assess the level of completed and ongoing projects executed by the 17 local government council chairmen to ensure that the funds released are judiciously utilized.
“I am pleased to report that the 17 council chairmen have not disappointed the “Time is now” administration of His Excellency as providing dividends of democracy at the grassroots remains the top priority of this administration”, he posited.
