Security, Politics, Governance Top Discussions as Nasarawa Assembly Engages Area Council Administrators
…Tasks them on effective synergy with council members for peace, unity, and grassroots development
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has held an expanded interactive session with Administrators of Area Administrative Councils across the state.
At the meeting, held on Thursday at the Assembly Complex in Lafia, key issues bordering on grassroots security, political developments—particularly the recently concluded primary elections—and strategies for strengthening governance at the local level dominated discussions.
Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Musa Abubakar Ibrahim, said the engagement was aimed at strengthening the relationship between the Assembly and the Administrators, as well as fostering better cooperation between the Administrators and members of their respective councils.
According to him, the meeting became necessary following a petition submitted to the House by members of the Area Administrative Councils against their Administrators.
“Our meeting was in three phases. The first centered on the petition written by members of the Area Administrative Councils against their Administrators. We cautioned them on the need to ensure effective synergy among themselves and to carry all members along as stipulated by law,” he said.
He explained that the second phase focused on political issues, especially the recently concluded primary elections in the state.
“After the primaries, we observed discrepancies in some areas which undermined the fortunes of our party. Although we recorded a landslide victory, the conduct of some officials from the Area Administrative Councils was not encouraging and did not reflect the character expected of government officials or appointees,” he added.
Hon. Ibrahim stressed that all appointees under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) must align with government directives and party principles.
“This is an APC government, and all appointees must abide by government directives and party guidelines. Anyone acting contrary to those directives must be called to order in order to protect the objectives of the party and government,” he stated.
The committee chairman further said the interface, which also included Directors of Finance and Cashiers of the councils, was designed to strengthen accountability and improve governance at the grassroots.
He disclosed that the Assembly had received a petition from the Forum of Area Administrative Council Members titled: ‘Complaint Against Maladministration in the Area Administrative Councils of Nasarawa State and Alleged Actions Capable of Undermining APC Structure and Council Activities at the Grassroots by the Administrators.’
Hon. Ibrahim directed the Administrators to submit within three days details of projects executed, project locations, records of deceased council members, information on salary disbursement relating to such members, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), and other financial records.
He noted that the petition raised serious allegations, including claims that Administrators were sidelining council members in decision-making, contrary to the law establishing the councils.
Other allegations include irregularities in project execution, the spending of the N15 million renovation fund, and concerns over other financial releases to the councils.
He assured that the Assembly would address the issues in accordance with the law, emphasizing that the House would continue to discharge its oversight responsibilities effectively.
The lawmaker also commended Governor Abdullahi Sule for ongoing developmental projects across the state and urged the Administrators to align with the policy direction of the government.
He emphasized the need for transparency in financial management, stressing that Administrators must account for both inflows and outflows while ensuring inclusive leadership for peace, unity, and rural development.
Contributing to the discussion, committee member Hon. Muhammad Adamu Omadefu called for a thorough investigation into allegations of financial misconduct, particularly claims involving the diversion of funds belonging to deceased persons.
His position was supported by Hon. Ajegena Kudu and Hon. Musa Saidu Gude, who stressed the need for accountability and urged the councils to ensure their activities reflect realities on the ground.
Omadefu noted that the Area Administrative Councils were established to bring governance and development closer to the people, adding that accountability remains central to achieving that objective.
Responding on behalf of the Administrators, Chairman of the Forum of Area Administrators and Administrator of Loko Area Administrative Council, Hon. Shuaibu Umar, thanked the Assembly for the opportunity to clarify issues raised in the petition.
He described their appointments as a privilege and assured the lawmakers that they would not abuse the trust placed in them.
Hon. Umar dismissed allegations of wrongdoing, particularly on the issue of Internally Generated Revenue, stating that revenue collection is handled by contractors engaged by the state government and supervised by the State Revenue Board.
On allegations relating to pensions, diversion of funds belonging to deceased persons, and secret employment, he said the Administrators were not directly responsible.
He explained that salary allocations for the Area Administrative Councils are sent through the mainstream local government chairmen at the end of every month, adding that the Administrators have no direct control over such payments.
He appreciated the Speaker, the Assembly, and the committee for their support, particularly for facilitating the establishment of the councils.
While acknowledging that no human institution is perfect, Umar said the Administrators were making conscious efforts to carry all stakeholders along, especially council members.
He stated that regular meetings are held before major decisions are taken, including decisions concerning the N15 million renovation fund.
He appealed for patience, understanding, and continued support from stakeholders in the interest of peace and development.
Hon. Umar also commended the support of Governor Abdullahi Sule and assured the governor and the State Assembly of their loyalty and commitment to service.
