A former member of the House of Representatives, Sam Onuigbo, has commended Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, for directing that funds allocated to local government councils from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) be paid directly to the councils.
Governor Zulum recently ordered that monthly federal allocations to the 27 local government areas in the state be transferred straight to their respective treasuries, a move he said was aimed at promoting transparency and strengthening grassroots development.
Reacting in a statement personally signed and made available to journalists on Tuesday, Onuigbo described the directive as an act of courage and purposeful leadership, noting that it aligns with constitutional provisions, democratic principles and the interests of the masses.
The former lawmaker, who is also a member of the Governing Board of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), said the decision set a strong example for other governors to emulate, adding that it would support the success of President Bola Tinubu’s reform initiatives at the grassroots.
According to him, Governor Zulum’s action would be remembered as a symbol of transparency and ethical leadership, especially coming from an incumbent governor.
Onuigbo said the directive validated his long-standing advocacy for local government financial autonomy, which he noted was critical to strengthening democracy at the grassroots level.
“My attention was drawn to a joyous report regarding Your Excellency’s firm directive that the monthly federal allocation to the 27 local governments of Borno State should be paid directly to the various councils,” he said.
READ ALSO: Tinubu Hails Zulum’s People-Centred Projects During Borno Visit
“I was also elated that the order was specifically to boost transparency in local government finances and empower council chairpersons to fast-track grassroots development. I feel vindicated, having been at the forefront of advocacy for the financial autonomy of local government councils over the years.”
He noted that his advocacy came at significant personal and political cost, adding that his experience as a former commissioner exposed him to how financial constraints often hinder local governments from effectively performing their constitutional responsibilities.
While praying for continued wisdom for the governor, Onuigbo urged local government chairpersons in Borno State to seize the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to tackling insecurity, unemployment and antisocial behaviour among youths.
He also recalled President Tinubu’s call on governors to allow funds accruing to states to trickle down to the grassroots to ease economic hardship, stressing that the dividends of democracy could only be delivered when all tiers of government effectively discharge their constitutional roles.