The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing financial support to local governments in the state, despite the Supreme Court’s ruling granting autonomy to the councils.
Governor Diri made this statement on Wednesday during the swearing-in ceremony of the chairmen of two Rural Development Authorities (RDAs) at the 134th state executive council meeting held at Government House, Yenagoa.
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He explained that some local councils in the state experience financial deficits after paying workers and teachers, prompting the state government to continue augmenting their funds to prevent them from suffering.
Governor Diri also clarified that, contrary to the belief that states tamper with local government funds disbursed through the Joint Accounts Allocation Committee (JAAC), Bayelsa’s case is different, as the state government actually supplements these funds.
The governor highlighted that the creation of the RDAs is part of the government’s initiative to bring development to every corner of the state.
He urged the newly sworn-in chairmen to carry out their duties diligently and humbly, serving the people at the grassroots level.
“My administration will continue to fully support the local government system, regardless of the Supreme Court’s judgment on local government autonomy,” Diri stated.
“Unlike the perception that state governments control the funds allocated to local governments after FAAC allocation, the Bayelsa State government augments their funds, as some local councils operate at a deficit.”
He further charged, “You are representing the Prosperity Government in your rural development authorities. I urge you to carry out your responsibilities dutifully and with humility toward the grassroots population.”
The officials sworn in were Mr. Andrew Ikputu-Kirifa for Ogboin South/Tarakiri RDA and Mr. Christian Egbo for Ogbia Central RDA.
The governor also expressed concern over the recent vandalism of power transmission lines serving the state, which has resulted in widespread power outages.
He assured that the Commissioner for Power and the Managing Director of the Bayelsa State Electricity Company are working closely with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to restore power promptly.
Meanwhile, the government’s plans to secure an independent power supply for the state remain on course.
