The Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has emphasized the need for greater transparency, accountability, and improved governance across all local government areas in the state.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Dafe Chukwudi, stated this on Monday in Asaba during an oversight visit by members of the Committee to the Directorate of Local Government Affairs.
Hon. Dafe expressed concern over the state of affairs in some local government councils, revealing that the committee made several worrisome observations during its recent oversight tour of the 25 local government areas in the state.
Flanked by Hon Alfred Martins, Kenneth Oboro Preyor, Austine Uroye and Emmanuel Sinebe, the Lawmaker underscored the importance of the Directorate in the council’s administration.
He said the Directorate must be fully informed about developments at the grassroots level, noting that local governments remain the closest tier of government to the people.
Other lawmakers who spoke during the visit called on the Directorate to strengthen its collaboration with Council Chairmen, not only in the implementation of relevant local government laws but also in effectively supervising their activities to ensure accountability and good governance.
In his response, the Commissioner for Local Government, Prince Kelly Penawou, affirmed that the Directorate has continued to discharge its responsibilities diligently since his assumption of office.
He explained that the Directorate regularly supervises projects executed at the local government level and organizes capacity-building programmes for council chairmen, vice chairmen, secretaries, and councillors to enhance administrative efficiency.
Mr. Penawou, however, appealed for the lawmakers’ continued support, particularly in addressing the long-standing issue of local government autonomy and ensuring that councils are properly guided to fulfill their mandates effectively.
The visit was witnessed by top officials of the Directorate.