The Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has called for enhanced transparency, accountability, and good governance across all local government areas in the state.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Dafe Chukwudi, made the call on Monday in Asaba during an oversight visit by members of the Committee to the Directorate of Local Government Affairs.
Hon. Dafe, who was accompanied by Committee members Hon. Alfred Martins, Hon. Kenneth Oboro Preyor, Hon. Austine Uroye, and Hon. Emmanuel Sinebe, expressed concern over the state of affairs in some local government councils, revealing that the Committee observed several irregularities during its recent oversight tour of the 25 local government areas in the state.
He stressed the crucial role of the Directorate in ensuring effective local government administration, noting that it must remain fully informed about developments at the grassroots level.
“Local governments remain the closest tier of government to the people. The Directorate must, therefore, play a proactive role in monitoring activities within the councils to guarantee efficiency, transparency, and service delivery,” Hon. Dafe stated.
Other lawmakers who spoke during the visit also emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between the Directorate and Council Chairmen, particularly in enforcing relevant laws and supervising local government operations to ensure accountability and adherence to due process.
Responding, the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Prince Kelly Penawou, reaffirmed the Directorate’s commitment to effective service delivery and prudent management of resources.
He explained that the Directorate has been consistent in supervising local government projects and conducting regular capacity-building programmes for chairmen, vice chairmen, secretaries, and councillors to strengthen administrative efficiency.
Prince Penawou, however, appealed for the lawmakers’ continued support, especially in addressing long-standing challenges such as local government autonomy, to enable councils to function optimally and fulfill their constitutional responsibilities.
The oversight visit was attended by top officials of the Directorate and other stakeholders in local government administration.
