By David Uka, Abakaliki
The thirteen council Chairmen of Ebonyi State and their ward councilors have rejected the position of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, NFIU on Local Government Finances.
Their position which was contained in the 10 point resolution endorsed by the Chairmen and another similar resolution signed by the Legislative leaders of the Local Government and made available to the State House of Assembly for affirmation.
The council chairmen who appeared before the State House of Assembly alongside their ward councilors to affirm their position having signed a ten-point resolution against the position of Nigerian Financial Intelligence unit on Local Government Finances said their decision was to promote good governance at the grassroots level and restore efficient administration at the local government areas.
They maintained that a central e-salary payment platform for monthly payment of salaries and pension of Local Government Staff as first line charges should be upheld, affirming that the joint State and local government projects should be maintained in accordance with the Ebonyi State and Local Government joint project and related matters amendment law NO 007 of 2015.
Other contents of the resolution were local government contribution for the funding of Ebonyi State University and funding of the sixty-four Development centers of the State among others.
Meanwhile, the letter from the clerk to the National Assembly which among other things urged the state Assemblies to consider the constitutional amendment regarding the local government autonomy bill could not secure the approval of the House as it did not provide for the smooth running of the local government
The lawmakers also deliberated on the Governor’s request for approval to engage forensic Integrated services limited as a contractor to conduct forensic Investigation for the enhancement of Internally Generated Revenue in the State and gave their assent to the request to guarantee effective revenue generation to the State.
