ALGON Denies Diversion Of LG Funds In Cross River

The chairman, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Cross River State, Mr Yibala Inyang, has dismissed allegations of diversion of funds and underfunding of local governments in the state made by the factional PDP governorship candidate, Sir Arthur Jarvis.

Inyang, who doubles as the chairman of Yakurr local government area of Cross River, stated this at a news conference in Calabar, insisting that local governments are enjoying the best in terms of funding and partnership under the Governor Bassey Out-led administration.

He said local governments now have the power to execute projects and partner with the state to intervene in critical areas such as health, sanitation, local security and infrastructural development.
The ALGON chairman stated that the healthy partnership is strengthened by an enabling law that authorises a joint account between the state and local governments, which ensures that no LGA is unable to pay salaries despite low allocations.

“This is the first time in the history of Cross River that we have a governor who allows funds meant for local governments to be used for implementation of developmental projects across the 196 wards of the state.

“So, I do not know why anybody should allege that local government funds are being diverted. To where?” he queried.

“Being autonomous in a system entails accessing your funds as at when due, utilising it properly and ensuring all staff get their due,” stressing that performance and dividends matter more than semantics.

On projects’ execution, Inyang said Yakurr alone has massive road construction ongoing, with one or two projects in almost 12 of its 13 wards based on NEEDS assessment.

He enumerated capital projects implemented by Yakurr local government council which he suprintend to include drainages on farm roads, culverts in Ekori and Ijom near General Hospital, Ugep, a mini bridge in Nko, rehabilitation of Nko Modern Market.

Other projects handled by Yakurr local government area council include, construction of a modern market in Ekori, a new PHC in Ijiman ward, and mini pavilions in Ugep Stadium and Mkpani.

Inyang states that the state government is complementing council efforts with major roads in Ugep urban, with Ekori and Idomi next, adding that many other LGAs have also executed several projects.

“We can’t play politics with what you can’t prove with evidence,” he said.

Reacting to claims of deepening poverty and insecurity, the council boss said no LGA is owing salaries or imprest and challenged critics to show facts, while maintaining that communal clashes have been largely put to rest due to state support and partnership.

He advised opposition politicians seeking offices in 2027 to “shun politics of blackmail, and misinformation” and dismissed Jarvis’ one-term mantra, saying, “I don’t think he is fit to run half a term not to talk of one full term.

“Arthur Jarvis should first prove that he can run a government, not running a school. Governance of a state is more in depth, requires capacity, experience and exposure in various political and public offices of high repute,” he said.