Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has urged newly elected local government chairmen to prioritise equity and accountability in their leadership roles.
The governor also advised them to ensure that the dividends of democracy are distributed fairly, without prejudice to political affiliation, gender, religious beliefs, or ethnic background.
Speaking on Friday at the swearing-in ceremony for the 23 local government chairmen held at the Council Chambers of Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna, Sani emphasised the importance of transparency and accountability in governance.
“You are taking charge as captains of local governments now that the third tier of government has been granted financial autonomy,” Governor Sani reminded the chairmen.
“Your allocation from the Federation Account will be public knowledge, necessitating transparency and accountability. Be available, accessible, responsive, and fair in your dealings.”
The governor stressed that local government chairmen are grassroots leaders closest to the people and should act as their voices, advocates, and champions.
“Listen to their concerns, address their fears, and harness their potential,” he advised, adding, “Empower the people to participate in governance and ensure their voices are heard. In the words of Robert W. Flack: ‘Local government is the foundation of democracy; if it fails, democracy will fail.’”
Sani tasked the chairmen with providing rural infrastructure, boosting agriculture, building and upgrading health centres and primary schools, enhancing economic and social services, and ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources.
“During your campaigns, you engaged with communities, listened to their concerns, and received feedback on their needs,” he said.
“I charge you to prioritise these needs, guided by the principles of equity, inclusivity, transparency, and accountability.”
The governor congratulated the chairmen while urging the people of Kaduna State to hold their leaders accountable, demand transparency, participate in the budgeting process, and insist on quality service delivery.
“Your engagement is crucial to ensuring transparency, accountability, and quality service delivery in the local governments,” he stressed.
Among those present at the event were the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abas; the Minister of Environment, Abas Balarabe; his counterpart in the Ministry of Power, Adebayo Adelabu; and the Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Alhassan Doguwa.