The Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has rounded off its oversight visits across the 25 Local Government Councils in the State, emphasizing the need for authorities to carry out governance at that level in strict compliance of the relevant laws.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon Chukwudi Dafe, who spoke in an exclusive interview after members tour of Okpe Local Government Area, the last port of call in the exercise that started since 4th of September, expressed happiness on the outcome legislative assignment.
The Committee Chairman, Hon Chukwudi Dafe who said oversight duty is a key constitutional mandate of the legislature, explained that his Committee embarked on the exercise to assess level of performance, accountability, transparency, equity, and project implementation by the local authorities.
The Lawmaker who represents Ukwuani State Constituency in the House, said the Committee will continue to ensure that councils remain productive and operate within the laws guiding local government administration in Delta State.
Dafe stated that members will review their findings based on the on- the- spot information gathered and documents presented by the Chairmen of the various Councils, emphasizing that where there are discrepancies, the authorities, including the Chairmen, Head of Personnel Management and Treasurer would be invited to explain further.
He commended the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, for approving the oversight exercise, and appreciated the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for consistently supporting the legislature without interfering in its statutory functions.
The Committee Chairman, accompanied by Hon Alfred Martins, Oboro Preyor, James Augoye, Augustine Uroye, Ferguson Onwo, and Emmanuel Sinebe, stated that the oversight exercise could come up anytime necessary.
He added that the committee’s would scrutinize documents and financial records of the councils to ensure that funds received align with projects executed.
Honourable Dafe noted that with increased revenue in the federal allocations to councils, the Chairmen have no excuse for poor performance or failure to deliver on electioneering promises at the grassroots level.
He said Local government is the closest tier of governments to the people, stressing that the chairmen must therefore justify the trust reposed in them by delivering visible and sustainable projects that impact positively on the people.
The Lawmaker who reiterated the committee’s call for council authorities to spread development projects equitably across all communities to promote inclusiveness and foster political stability, urged the chairmen to maintain closer interaction with the people, as that effective communication and responsiveness are vitals in deepening democracy and sustaining public trust at the local level.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of Okpe Local Government, Hon. Isaiah Esiovwa, commended the Lawmakers for their dedication to ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.
He stated that his administration has embarked on 29 projects, out of which 27 have been completed and two still ongoing, even as he assured of improved performance in subsequent fiscal years.
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