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Mbadinuju kicks against state joint accounts with
councils
By Sunny
Igboanugo
Metro
Editor
Former Governor of Anambra
State, Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju has described as unhealthy the maintenance
of a joint account between state governments and their councils, saying it
was a means of stifling development at the third tier of
government.
The former governor, who spoke
in Abuja after receiving an award by the Association of Former Local
Government Chairmen and Councilors in Nigeria (AFLOG), argued that the
situation left the councils at the mercy of governors who see the money
accruing to the account as their own. �The state governments see the joint
account money as their own from which some pittance can be granted to
local governments at their discretion�, Mbadinuju
stated.
He therefore suggested that funds meant for the
councils should go straight to them instead of being re-routed through the
states, adding that the present practice had worked against development at
the grassroots.
He also spoke on the tenure of
the chairmen and councillors at the local government, saying it should be
the same with that of the governors, state assemblies, the President and
members of the National Assembly.
Mbadinuju also argued that if
funds were proportionally shared between all the tiers of governments,
many people would prefer to remain at the local governments as chairmen
and councillors, where they could equally contribute to the development of
the rural areas.
Urging the National Assembly
to give power back to the councils through an equitable power sharing
arrangement, he praised President Olusegun Obasanjo for promoting the
constitutional amendments that would enhance the stake of the
councils.
At the ceremony, which was
held at the NICON Hilton Hotel Abuja, Mbadinuju bagged an award alongside
other notable Nigerians for maintaining peace in Anambra State during his
tenure, as well as bringing about a lot of development to the state,
especially the state capital, Awka.
The former governor, who
received the award alongsided, Dr. Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, was particularly
eulogised by the group for his humble disposition in government and the
maintenance of peace and security in the troubled
state.
Among the achievements he was
said to have made during his tenure included the construction of the
Judicial Complex, Women Development Centre, Temporary Government House,
the Anambra Broadcasting Corporation (ABS) permanent site, Ziks Place, comprising the permanent Government House and
Lodge, the Civic Centre, Street lights., among
others.
Mbadinuju was also praised for
establishing a multi-million dollar foundry and machine tools project at
Ozubulu and a University of Science and Technology at
Uli.
His introduction of a free and
compulsory primary and secondary education in Anambra State was also given
positive mention by the organisation, which also appreciated his
commitment to prayers as a potent instrument in the war against
crime.
According to AFLOG,
Mbadinuju�s resort to prayers and his exemplary administrative style
enabled him to solve the fratricidal war between Umuleri, Aguleri and
Umuoba Anam communities in the state.
�In four years, one could
successfully keep a bag full of money on the streets of Onitsha and return
days after to find it intact, courtesy of this remarkable man,� the group
declared.
Speaking at the function, the
National Chairman of AFLOG, Chief Adol Awam, explained that worthy note
was taken of the personal attributes of the awardees in ensuring national
unity and development in Nigeria.
Among those present at the
occasion were the wife of nation�s first President, Dr. (Mrs.) Azikiwe;
former Governor of Kastina State, Col Abdulmulminu Aminu; and Dr. (Mrs.)
Iyabo Obasanjo - Bello and Professor Jerry Gana.
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