By Abubakar Rabilu Gombe
The Gombe State Commissioner for Local Government and Community Development, Barr. Sani Ahmed Haruna (Wakilin Arewa Gombe), has presided over the first Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) meeting with the newly elected chairmen of the 11 Local Government Councils and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
The meeting, held at the conference hall of the ministry in Gombe, focused on strengthening collaboration between the local councils and the state government, as well as outlining administrative and financial procedures for the new council leadership.
Addressing the participants, the commissioner congratulated the chairmen on their election and assumption of office, noting that the people of Gombe State have high expectations of their administration.
He expressed confidence in their ability to provide purposeful and people-centred leadership, urging them to justify the confidence reposed in them through transparency, accountability and dedication to service.
Barr. Haruna also conveyed the message of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, who charged the chairmen to remain committed to prudent management of public resources and the delivery of democratic dividends at the grassroots.
He stressed the need for harmonious working relationships between the Local Government Councils and the LCDAs, explaining that the development areas should work closely with their parent local governments while maintaining proper record-keeping and confidentiality in official matters.
The commissioner further directed that all requests relating to projects, interventions and official correspondence from local government councils should be channelled through the Local Government Secretary or the Deputy Secretary to ensure due administrative process.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Alhaji Shuaibu Ibrahim, congratulated the newly elected chairmen on their electoral victory and swearing-in, assuring them of the ministry’s support in implementing the development programmes of the state government.
The Director of Treasury also presented the financial allocation and expenditure reports for the month, explaining the financial position of the local governments and responding to questions from the chairmen.
The meeting was attended by all chairmen of the 11 Local Government Councils and LCDAs, the Permanent Secretary, directors of the ministry, the Director of Treasury and other senior government officials.
