Kaduna State Governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai yesterday abolished the state/local government joint account, adding that his government would remit 10 per cent of its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to local government councils.
El-Rufai spoke while swearing-in chairmen of the Interim Management Committees of the 23 local councils.
The governor warned the chairmen against residing outside their councils and advised those that could not abide to vacate the office.
“You have no excuse to fail. Perform and bring real development to our state at the local level. This is to fulfil our campaign promises that we will not hold local government funds if elected.
“I am happy to inform you that the government has abolished joint account in Kaduna state; there will be no more holding local government funds hostage under the pretence of joint account. The government will also do its best to remit 10 per cent of the IGR to the councils.
“You should swing into action and embark on meaningful projects in the wards; there is a blueprint of proposed development to guide you.
“You must take security serious, partner with traditional and religious leaders and stakeholders. Don’t be arrogant to your people; you are assigned to serve them.
“We will not hesitate to call you to order if you think you will play with our people and the trust vested in you,” he stated.
But angry Gbagyi youths of Chikun council have protested the appointment of Hajiya Hadiza Yahuza as interim chairman of the council.
They accused El-Rufai of marginalisation and injustice.
The protesters, led by their chairman, Amos Isah and Yakubu Waziri last week ambushed a lawmaker, Markus Zarmai Yari at his house and demanded an explanation for what they described as a ‘slap on their faces’ by appointing an unpopular person as the council’s sole administrator’.
