Dogara criticises state assemblies over rejection LGs’ autonomy #weekendspecial

Hon. Yakubu Dogara

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has criticised State Houses of Assembly in the country for refusing to support moves to grant financial autonomy to them and local governments.

Speaking while receiving in audience members of the Bauchi State House of Assembly in his office on Thursday, Dogara said democracy is facing serious threat at the grass root as a result of lack of independence for the local governments which is hampering speedy development.

He said: “There is no meaning to independence if you are not financially independent. Slaves don’t build societies, only free men do, and if you can’t directly access your own funds from the consolidated revenue account of the State as an institution on first line charge, then you can’t stake any claim on independence”.

“The only authority for oversight in the State is the State Assembly, but when we transmitted the proposal for amendment to the state Assemblies they rejected it, and it was quite unfortunate”, Dogara lamented.

The Speaker further bemoaned that; “in a four years tenure, trillions of Naira were allocated to states and local governments but when you visit the state you wont see projects commensurate with the money they received”.

“I am not indicting you, as it is not alright for a host to indict his guests. But I must speak to your conscience. Our feeling is that there has not been appropriate and effective oversight by the state Legislature”, he stated.

“I am calling on leaders to rise beyond our differences, unite and deliver dividend of democracy to the people.

“If we fail to perform, they will not spear us. We should do everything to deliver on our mandate”

The Speaker also expressed gratitudes to President Muhammadu Buhari for reposing so much confidence in the sons and daughters of Bauchi state by appointing them into key Federal government offices.

He said the only way to reciprocate the gesture is for leaders in the state to deliver on their mandates to the people.

The state assembly members who were led by the Speaker Hon. Kawuwa Shehu Damina commended Dogara for his sterling leadership qualities.

Hon. Damina said Dogara exemplifies courage, simplicity, dedication, generosity, commitment and service per excellence.