Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has assured that the ongoing local government reforms spearheaded by the state government will deliver benefits beyond expectations.
Speaking on Friday during a meeting with the chairman and 15 councillors of Yenagoa Local Government Area at Government House, Yenagoa, Ewhrudjakpo highlighted the transformative impact of the reforms.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his media aide, Mr. Doubara Atasi, the deputy governor recalled the dire financial state of local councils when the current administration assumed office in 2020.
Many councils, he noted, were unable to pay workers’ salaries due to severe financial distress. However, he declared that such challenges were now a thing of the past.
Thanks to the fiscal responsibility measures implemented by the government, local councils now not only meet salary obligations promptly but have also undertaken significant grassroots development projects.
Ewhrudjakpo, who oversees the local government councils, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to strengthening local governance.
He described the councils and rural development authorities as crucial vehicles for delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.
Addressing the concerns raised by councillors, including requests for furniture allowances, he urged patience and collaboration with local government chairmen.
READ ALSO: Ex-Bayelsa Assembly deputy chief whip thanks Diri, Ewhrudjakpo, Dickson for support
He emphasized that monthly allocations should serve the broader community rather than just politicians and council staff.
“The funds allocated to councils are not solely for political office holders and workers,” he stated. “They must also be used to provide essential infrastructure such as solar lights and concrete roads, ensuring that governance reaches every citizen.”
Ewhrudjakpo also commended stakeholders, including labour unions, for their support in successfully implementing a computerized payment system for local government workers.
Yenagoa Local Government Chairman, Bulodisiye Ndiwari, praised the deputy governor’s leadership and the recent introduction of the oracle payment system, which has streamlined salary payments.
Similarly, the Leader of the Yenagoa Legislative Council, Mr. Gift Disin, appealed for intervention in the payment of councillors’ furniture and other outstanding allowances.
He reaffirmed the councillors’ commitment to the Prosperity Government and its development agenda.
With the reforms gaining momentum, the Bayelsa State government remains confident that its efforts will leave a lasting positive impact on the grassroots.