ALGON wants LG autonomy or nothing – Deputy President

As calls for local government autonomy in the country heightens, the Association of Local Government of Nigeria on Wednesday reiterated its stands that the association stands on autonomy for the third tier of government and nothing less.
The National Deputy President of ALGON, Mohammed Kantigi, said this on Wednesday after he was screened by the Niger State House of Assembly as one of the nominees for appointment as Commissioner in the Niger State Executive Council.
Kantigi’s name was sent by Governor Babangida Aliyu for confirmation by the Assembly.
According to him: “I will articulate myself of what is expected of me.
“I will not allow people that brought us into power to cry.
“I know the Chief Servant has the people at heart and will always bring in best hands to work with him.
“There are specific assignments he gives to people.
“We want to see if we can improve on what has been on ground.
“I know the LGA system and I have been playing a role as financial secretary in ALGON in the state.
“I am one of the people who clamoured for LGA independence.
“We stand on the fact that the Federal Government must give us what belongs to us.
“Give us our own autonomy.
“Some states are now operating under caretaker, which is not democratic.”
Kantigi said Aliyu has not in anyway meddled into LGA’s funds like other governors do.
He said: “I can tell you that the Governor of Niger State does not interfere in our LGA funds.
“I give him credit for that.
“And my priority is to ensure the completion of the 10 kilometres road projects in all the 25 LGAs as soon as I am sworn in as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.”
Also, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Danladi Ndayebo, promised that there would be a robust relationship between the government and the media as soon as he assumes office as commissioner.
Ndayebo promised that “the government will do its best to improve on what it has on ground and will also continue to interface with relevant media organisations”.
It should be recalled that the governor had last week sent five nominees to the state House of Assembly for screening as commissioners.
They have all been screened by the House.