July 27, (THEWILL) – Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, has said the recent judgement of the Supreme Court declaring financial autonomy for local governments is in tune with what the state has been practising.
THEWILL recalls that the apex court had on July 11, declared unconstitutional, the act by state governors to hold onto funds meant for local government administrations. In the lead judgement read by Justice Emmanuel Agim, the court directed the 774 local government councils in the country to manage their funds themselves.
In an open letter written to congratulate the 25 newly elected and sworn-in Local Government Council Chairmen in the state on Friday, Izeze disclosed that no administration in Delta State has ever tampered with local government funds.
In what he subtitled “The SUPREME COURT LGA FINANCIAL AUTONOMY JUDGMENT AND THE PATENTLY FALSE NOTION OF ELDORADO”, Comrade Izeze, wrote:
“…Now, I have been around 4 successive administrations of Delta State and with all modesty and humility, I have been an insider.
“Permit me to, therefore, burst your bloated bubbles by informing you that NO ADMINISTRATION OF THE DELTA STATE GOVERNMENT HAS EVER FINGERED OR PILFERED from the LGA FUNDS or the JSAC ACCOUNTS.
“On the contrary, the respective administrations of the Delta State Government have continually intervened by bailing out and subsidising most LGAs in times of travail.
“Consequent upon the above, you are to know that your revenue is likely to remain what it was last month (some variables).
“So you see, while that Supreme Court judgement might translate to massive direct funding to Local Governments in some States of the Federation, it is of no financial consequence in Delta State and her Local Government Council Areas.
“So, think out of the box and shore up your IGR guys as the State Government does not touch money belonging to the local government.”
Izeze further cautioned the council chairmen, especially those re-elected, to recognise a leadership change in the State.
Declaring Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as the leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Government of Delta State, Izeze urged them to recognise this fact irrespective of their political allies.
“You alone can best tell your stories and experiences considering that you had served and been temporarily out of office while you sought re-election. I am sure you all witnessed and suffered some form of backstabbing and “Brutusism” from presumed friends/political allies.
“That you survived and emerged is, therefore, a testament to GOD’S MERCY and the commitment of select die-hard supporters, NEVER FORGET THEM.
“How you run thereafter should likely be your business but NEVER, EVER FORGET this: THERE IS A NEW SHERIFF IN TOWN.
“H.E. Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Orowhedor Oborevwori is the “numero uno” and LEADER OF THE PARTY & GOVERNMENT OF DELTA STATE. No need to say more,” he added.
Particularly addressing the first-timers, Izeze urged them to discard all pre-held notions.
“You are a product of GOD’S GRACE & His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Francis Orowhedor Oborevwori’s magnanimous favour. You must therefore quickly key into his MORE AGENDA in whatsoever you do at the grassroots level. Should you do your job well, be rest assured that he would be solidly behind you throughout your tenure,” he said.
