Bauchi State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has reiterated its commitment to strengthening transparency and grassroots development as it intensifies oversight visits to local councils in the state.
During an inspection tour of Tafawa Balewa local government area, the committee, led by its chairman, Bala Dan, inspected ongoing projects and scrutinised the council’s financial records, stressing the need for accountability and proper financial management.
Dan explained that the committee’s mandate goes beyond routine checks, noting that the Assembly recently passed a new law empowering councillors to elect their own leaders under a unified forum.
He explained that the legislation, awaiting the governor’s assent, could redefine the balance of power at the grassroots and deepen participatory governance.
“We want councils to be more transparent, improve their internally generated revenue and operate strictly in line with state laws and regulations,” Dan said.
He added that the Assembly is determined to create an enabling environment for councils to function more independently.
Other committee members advised Tafawa Balewa council chairman to maintain cordial relations with councillors, step up revenue generation, and keep accurate documentation of all financial transactions in order to build public confidence in local governance.
Chairman of Tafawa Balewa LGA, Samaila Wakili, welcomed the visit as a morale booster, listing projects embarked upon by his administration including drainage and culvert construction, healthcare centre rehabilitation, borehole repairs, solar street light installation, and scholarships for indigent students.
Wakili, however, lamented the persistent security challenges facing the council, especially in Dolam community, where suspected criminals recently invaded farmlands and destroyed crops, a development that nearly sparked a communal crisis before security agencies and stakeholders intervened.
The committee pledged to support the council in tackling such challenges through legislative action, assuring that its findings will form part of a comprehensive report to the Assembly.
