Coalition urges Jigawa assembly to probe alleged mismanagement of LG funds

By Muhammad Nasir Bashir

A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) have asked Jigawa House of Assembly to investigate reports on alleged misappropriation, withholding of local government funds, unlawful deductions from council allocations in the state.

The CSOs and CBOs under the Partnership for Inclusion of Local Governance (PILGOB), made the call in a statement issued in Dutse on Sunday, by the coalition’s Secretary-General, Mr Ibrahim Ilallah.

The CSOs and CBOs under said they have been closely monitoring reports and public discussions across social media concerning alleged misappropriation, withholding of local government funds, unlawful deductions from council allocations, and other financial irregularities affecting councils in Jigawa state.

Ilallah urged the Speaker of the Jigawa House of Assembly, Haruna Dangyatin, to invoke the assembly’s constitutional powers to ensure accountability and transparency in the administration of local government resources.

He referenced Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which empowers state legislatures to ensure the proper structure, composition, finance and functioning of democratically elected local government councils.

The secretary-general added that the assembly’s oversight function is critical at ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of public resources at the grassroots level.

According to him, the responsibility includes investigating allegations of corruption, inefficiency or abuse of office where necessary.

PILGOB said that a prompt and transparent response to the appeal would strengthen public trust in the Jigawa House of Assembly. (NAN)