The Bauchi State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has restated its determination to entrench accountability, transparency, and sustainable development at the grassroots level.
The committee made this known during its ongoing oversight functions, which include inspection tours of local government councils across the state.
On its latest engagement, the committee visited Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area, where it carried out a detailed assessment of the council’s activities.
Led by its chairman, Hon. Bala Dan, the team inspected several ongoing projects, examined the financial records of the council, and engaged with key stakeholders to ensure compliance with state laws and effective service delivery.
Hon. Dan emphasized that the committee’s mandate goes beyond routine supervision. He explained that the Assembly recently passed a bill empowering councillors to elect their leaders through a unified forum.
According to him, the proposed law—currently awaiting the governor’s assent—has the potential to redefine the structure of local governance, strengthen democratic participation at the grassroots, and reduce undue political interference.
“We want to see councils operate more transparently and align strictly with the financial and administrative guidelines of the state,” Dan stated.
He stressed that local governments must increase their internally generated revenue, maintain proper documentation of expenditures, and uphold accountability in all their dealings.
He further assured that the Assembly is committed to creating a policy environment that gives councils greater autonomy to discharge their responsibilities effectively.
Other members of the committee also weighed in, urging Tafawa Balewa council authorities to improve their working relationship with councillors, enhance revenue collection strategies, and maintain accurate financial records.
They pointed out that good governance begins at the grassroots, and as such, citizens expect transparency, prudence, and visible development projects from their local leaders.
Responding to the committee’s observations, the Chairman of Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area, Hon. Samaila Wakili, commended the lawmakers for the visit, describing it as a morale booster to his administration.
He highlighted several initiatives embarked upon by the council under his leadership.
These include the construction of drainages and culverts to control flooding, rehabilitation of primary healthcare centres to improve access to medical care, repair of boreholes to address water scarcity, installation of solar-powered streetlights to enhance security, and the provision of scholarships to indigent students to support education.
Wakili, however, expressed concern over the persistent security challenges confronting the local government, particularly in the Dolam community.
He recounted how suspected criminal elements recently invaded farmlands in the area, destroying crops and threatening livelihoods.
The incident, he said, almost escalated into a communal conflict before the swift intervention of security agencies and community stakeholders brought the situation under control.
Acknowledging these concerns, the committee assured the council chairman that it would continue to support local governments through relevant legislative interventions aimed at addressing insecurity and fostering stability at the grassroots.
It pledged that its findings during the inspection would be compiled into a comprehensive report for presentation to the full House of Assembly.
The visit to Tafawa Balewa is part of a broader oversight initiative by the Bauchi Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to monitor the performance of all 20 local government councils in the state.
The exercise is designed to ensure that public funds are utilized judiciously, projects are executed in line with approved standards, and the dividends of democracy reach the people at the grassroots.