ALGON Chair Hails Improved Grassroots Governance In Taraba

The chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Taraba State chapter, Hon. Moses Maihankeli, has said governance at the grassroots level across the state is witnessing steady improvement, driven by enhanced security, increased funding, and ongoing development initiatives.

Hon. Maihankeli, who spoke in an interview, attributed the progress to deliberate measures by the state government, particularly in tackling insecurity, which he said had previously hindered effective administration in most rural communities.

He noted that incidents of kidnapping and related crimes, once prevalent in Kurmi and other parts of the state, have been declined following intensified security interventions.

“Before now, insecurity was a major concern, but with the decisive steps taken by the state government, Kurmi local government is now relatively calm.

“Across the state, such incidents have been reduced to the barest minimum and people now go about their businesses with ease,” he said.

The ALGON chairman, who is the chairman of Kurmi local government, commended the Taraba State Government for providing local government councils with critical operational support, including security logistics and administrative resources, which he said have strengthened governance delivery at the grassroots.

According to him, budgetary allocations targeted at addressing insecurity in rural areas have increased by about 100 per cent, enabling council authorities to respond more effectively to emerging challenges.

“As ALGON chairman in the state, I can confidently say we are not finding it difficult to operate because of the support from the governor.

“Beyond logistics, council chairmen have been fully equipped to respond to emergencies without hitches,” he added.

On the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections, Maihankeli acknowledged the role of opposition in a democratic setting, and called for constructive criticism that will strengthen governance rather.

“You cannot satisfy everyone, but governance should be assessed objectively. Where there is a need for correction, it should be done in good faith,” he said.

He reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining people-oriented programmes and improving the welfare of residents of his locality.