From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The National President of the Association of 774 Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Mr. Alabi David, has demanded for the review of the revenue allocation sharing formula in the country.
The National President and his members who were in Lokoja for their NEC meeting made the call when they paid Governor Yahaya Bello a courtesy visit at the Lugard House.
David described the present 22% allocation to local governments as grossly inadequate and called for an increase in the state and local governments allocation.
The National President pointed out that the state and local governments in Nigeria needed more in the area of allocation sharing formula because of the responsibilities they have to superintend over.
“This is the reason why the Local Government Chairmen in Nigeria are calling on the Federal Government to quickly make an adjustment to the revenue sharing formula”
The National President called on other Governors to follow the footsteps of Gov. Bello in granting local government autonomy.
He hailed Governor Bello for being the first State to make Local Governments Autonomous.
On the alarming insecurity bedeviling the nation, the ALGON president urged governors to embrace community policing which he said will be the only option to tackle crimes at the grassroots.
He equally praised Kogi State for being the first State to have passed the local government autonomy bill.
He also lauded Governor Bello for making the state about the safest in the country through his bottom top approach in fighting insecurity in the state.
Responding, Governor Yahaya Bello said that efforts to tackle the nation’s insecurity challenge should be a collective responsibility.
The Governor assured that the state government will continue to work in synergy with the Council Chairmen to fight insecurity to a standstill.
The Governor said that his administration has made significant impact on women and youth empowerment to give them a sense of belonging.
He urged the Council Chairmen to take advantage of their visit to the state to see his landmark projects particularly in the health sector.