State Governors’ Responsibilities: A Balancing Act of Transparency and Accountability
In a society where public office is often viewed with skepticism, Nigerian state governors are under intense scrutiny, particularly when it comes to local government funds. According to Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, being a state governor at this time is not an easy task, given the barrage of allegations against governors over local government funds.
Speaking at a news conference in Awka to clarify the new State Economic Planning and Development Law 2024 and the Local Government Administration Law 2024, Governor Soludo emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the management of local government funds. He pointed out that governors are often accused of seeking to control LG funds, citing suspicions that LG funds are mismanaged. "In a society where public office is seen as dining table, people judge others by their own standards; by what they would do if they were in the position. I often ask: control for what?" he asked.
Soludo stressed that the Supreme Court judgment on LG autonomy presents an opportunity for public good, greater transparency, coordination, and collaboration between the state and LGs. The new laws, he explained, are designed to ensure that funds transferred to the LGs are properly appropriated, spent, and accounted for. "Neither the Constitution nor the Supreme Court judgment prescribes the manner of appropriation, expenditure, and audit/accountability for LG funds," he said.
The governor also highlighted the need for active collaboration between the state and LGs, citing the importance of joint funding for common services. "Without active collaboration and coordination between state and LGs, many LGs will end up in a huge financial mess, requiring bailouts by state governments," he warned. By working together, Soludo believes that the state and LGs can function in a cohesively planned, transparent, and sustainable manner, ultimately maximizing the security and welfare of the citizens.
In conclusion, Soludo’s address sheds light on the complexities of being a state governor in Nigeria, where the management of local government funds is a highly scrutinized and sensitive issue. As the government navigates the challenges of transparency and accountability, it is clear that the path to a more efficient and effective public service lies in the pursuit of collaboration and cooperation between the state and local governments.