The Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has expressed concern over delay by Council Chairmen in submitting requested documents and reports of their various Councils to the Committee.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon Chukwudi Dafe, who represents Ukwuani Constituency in the House, expressed the concern when he led other members of the committee on a courtesy visit to the Chairman and Members of the Delta State Local Government Service Commission in Asaba.
Hon Dafe explained that the Committee had asked the Chairmen to submit to it budget and projects executed under the period in office, contract values and level of execution, as well as the financial status of each of the 25 local government on assumption of office, which is expected to be submitted by the Treasurer of the Local Government, TLG.
The Lawmaker noted that delay of the Chairmen to comply with the directives has slowed down progress of work by the Committee in compiling detailed and all inclusive report to be presented to the House.
Dafe emphasized the importance of early compliance, describing the reports as critical to effective legislative oversight and accountability at the grassroots level of governance.
Warning that further delay would be viewed as act of negligence and disregard for legislative authority, the Lawmaker urged the Chairmen to tender the complete documented reports to the Committee within the next 48 hours.
Dafe said the Committee remain committed to ensuring transparency and efficiency in the administration of local government councils across the state, saying that adherence to due process must be followed at all times.
He stated that the Assembly would not hesitate to take necessary legislative actions against any Chairman who fails to comply with the directive and the time frame given to act.
Accompanied by other members of the Committee, including, Hon Alfred Martins, Oboro Preyor, James Augoye, Augustine Uroye, Ferguson Onwo and Emmanuel Sinebe, Dafe also admonished the Chairmen to always respect and comply with all relevant laws that promotes financial discipline in the local economy and administrative system.
He said the Committee would continue to partner with the Service Commission to strengthen its oversight assignment in the various Councils, pointing out that the visit was not just a friendly one, but to further advance the partnership.
Chairman, Delta State Local Government Service Commission, Chief Joseph Otirhue, while welcoming members of the committee, said the visit has helped improve collaboration between the State House of Assembly, the Commission and the local government councils.
He noted that the key mandate of the Commission is training and retraining of staff, recruitment, promotion and discipline.
Otirhue explained that the Commission monitors the local government administration and interface with Chairmen of the Councils to managing issues between the staff and the political class.
He assured the Committee of utmost cooperation to work and provide information that will enhanced its oversight duties in line with the development goals of the state government.