The Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and effective governance across the 25 local government councils in the state.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Chukwudi Dafe, made this known during the committee’s ongoing oversight visit to local government councils in Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri South-West, and Obiaruku, Ukwani Local Government Areas.
Hon. Dafe, who represents Ukwuani Constituency and is a former council chairman, led a delegation comprising the Deputy Chairman, Hon. Fred Martins, and members Hon. Oboro Preyor, Hon. Emmanuel Sinebe, Hon. James Aguoye, Hon. Ferguson Onwo, Hon. Austin Uroye, and Hon. Isaac Anwuzia.
He commended the current set of local government chairmen for their efforts so far but reminded them that they have “no excuse not to perform and deliver on their campaign promises,” given the improved financial inflow to councils.
According to him, local governments across Nigeria have been receiving increased allocations since the removal of fuel subsidy by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which has boosted federal revenue distribution to the grassroots.
“Revenues accruing to the councils must be properly accounted for through tangible projects and people-oriented programmes that reflect the true essence of governance,” Hon. Dafe stated.
He disclosed that the committee had already visited 24 out of the 25 local government councils in the state, noting that the exercise was designed to ensure transparency, accountability, and efficiency in local administration.
Hon. Dafe also charged council chairmen to operate strictly within the provisions of the Delta State Local Government Laws, emphasizing adherence to appropriation laws, fiscal responsibility, and public procurement regulations as key drivers of good governance.
He stressed the need for prudent financial management in the execution of projects and programmes that have direct positive impacts on the lives of citizens.
On human capital development, the lawmaker urged councils to emulate the state government by enacting bye-laws that would establish agencies to drive empowerment schemes at the local level.
He also called for enhanced security across council areas, appealing for lasting peace between Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh communities in Udu and Warri South-West, as well as between Umuabu and Amami communities in Ukwani Local Government Area.
“Love, unity, and peace are essential ingredients for sustainable development at the local, state, and national levels,” Hon. Dafe remarked.
In his response, Hon. Sylvester Oromoni, Chairman of Warri South-West Local Government Council, described the oversight visit as a “welcome development,” commending the Assembly Committee for its proactive engagement.
He highlighted ongoing projects within his council, including a police station and residential quarters for security personnel, aimed at addressing security concerns arising from the lingering Aladja–Ogbe-Ijoh crisis.
Oromoni also listed other projects such as a near-completed staff canteen and a completed jetty designed to enhance water transportation and boost local economic activities.
Similarly, Hon. Possible Ajede, Chairman of Ukwani Local Government Council, applauded the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, for supporting the committee’s oversight initiative, which he described as “novel and impactful.”
Ajede noted that the exercise had provided useful guidance for councils to remain focused on their core responsibilities, adding that his administration had completed several key projects, including a Local Education Authority Complex, an ICT Centre and Library, and an 800-meter road project in Obiaruku, all geared toward advancing socio-economic growth in the area.
The current phase of the oversight tour by the Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs is expected to conclude on Thursday with a visit to Okpe Local Government Area.
