Borno State Governor Prof Babagana Umara Zulum has said that the lack of formidable governance at the Local level is a matter of serious concern.
Zulum said this on Friday during a state-wide broadcast to commemorate this year’s Democracy Day.
“I have personally gone round and found that civil authority at the level of the local Government is either completely absent or very weak. This does not augur well for democracy and development.
“Moreover, all our plans for resettlement of displaced communities will be hampered as a result of this unfortunate development. This administration will not accept such a disposition and has taken measures to address such lapses squarely.
“We must build the institutional capacity of the local government areas to fast track grass-roots development and bring government closer to the people. This administration will ensure proper devolution of powers to the local government councils to be able to provide appropriate services and carry out development activities responsive to local wishes and to encourage participatory democracy at the local government level.
“This administration will ensure all Local Government Councils are headed by elected Chairmen and councils to engender democratic governance at that level,” Zulum said.
On the ongoing battle with the coronavirus pandemic, the governor said Nigeria, an oil dependent nation, suffered greatly. “This invariably affected our allocation from the federation accounts with negative impact on development. During the tiring period, we mobilize resources and support to provide for the palliatives to cushion the effects of the lockdown.
“We sincerely appreciate the understanding and resilience of our good people as we gradually navigate out of both the security and COVID-19 challenges before us. Let us pray assiduously to the Almighty for the protection and safeguard against all anti-democratic forces threatening the peace and security of our state and nation.”
