Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna state has charged newly elected council chairmen to be transparent and accountable in handling of public finances.
The gave the charged on Friday at the Government House, Kaduna while swearing in the council officials.
He urged them ro distribute dividends of democracy equitably, without prejudice to political affiliation, gender, religious beliefs or ethnic considerations.
He noted that local government chairmen are grassroots leaders who are closest to the grassroots and should be the voices and advocates of the people.
“You are taking charge as captains of local governments when the third tier of government has been granted financial autonomy.
“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 counselled the chairmen.
He further charged them to listen to concerns and fears of the people and addressed them.
“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 said.
He urged them to align with the state his administration’s rural transformation agenda by embarking on the providing basic infrastructure to rural communities.
‘’During your campaigns, you engaged with communities, listened to their concerns, and received feedbacks on their needs.
“I charge you to prioritize these needs, guided by the principles of equity, inclusivity, transparency, and accountability.
“You are assuming office at a critical time when our people expect a great deal from politicians and leaders. It is your responsibility to restore their faith in politics and local governance,’’ the governor said.
The governor also urged the people to hold the council chairmen “accountable, demand transparency, participate in the budgeting process, and insist on quality service delivery.’’
He added that engaging the people is crucial to ensuring transparency, accountability, and quality service delivery in the local governments.
