Assembly LGA Committee Warns Traditional Rulers, Officials against giving Shelter to Criminal elements

By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna


Bauchi State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has expressed concern about absenteeism and abscondment from duty by local government workers across the State.

Chairman of the Committee Honorable Bala Abdullahi Dan made the statement during a familiarization visit to Ningi, Warji and Ganjuwa Local Government Councils.

He said that it’s very worrisome how many local government workers abscond from their duty posts only to receive a salary by the end of every month, stressing the need for all Local Government Chairmen in the State to put modalities that will make sure every worker goes to his duty post to move the areas forward.

Honourable, Bala Dan also advised the workers to fear Almighty Allah and discharge their duties as contained in the terms and conditions of their employment.

On the security problems facing Ningi and other parts of the State, the Committee extended the sympathy and condolences of Bauchi State House of Assembly to the people of Ningi Local Government Area on the recent killing of members of the vigilante group in Gamji forest of Burra District and other reported killings and called on the chairmen, traditional and community leaders to join hands with security agencies to fish out all bad elements in their domains.

He warned traditional rulers and government officials against giving shelter to criminal elements by selling or allocating lands to them because it’s one of the root causes of security problems in the Area.

The Chairman also called for synergy and unity between the Caretaker Chairmen of local governments and members of the Bauchi State House of Assembly to strengthen the flow of dividends of democracy to the grassroots, saying it’s unfortunate that in some local governments, chairmen ignored lawmakers representing them despite being major stakeholders in the administration of the local governments.

He further stressed the need for mutual understanding and cooperation between the chairmen, deputies, councillors and workers for the overall development of the society.

In their separate remarks, Caretaker Committee Chairmen of Ningi, Warji and Ganjuwa Local Governments Alhaji Ibrahim Zubairu Mato, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammad Baima and Alhaji Muhammad Miya express delight on the visit which they say will further foster unity and cooperation between them and the legislative branch of the State.

The Chairmen expressed readiness to work hand in hand with the Assembly to ensure accountability, transparency and patriotism in local government administration in the State.

Meanwhile, the Committee has also paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Ningi Alhaji Yunusa Muhammad Danyaya in his Palace and expressed determination to work with Emirate Councils in terms of security and community development.

The Committee also assured the Emir of its readiness to support traditional institutions in the State and extended its sympathy on the spate of banditry and kidnapping in the Emirate.

In his remarks, the Emir commended the Committee for the visit which he said is the first of its kind.

He emphasized the need for such a committee in the Assembly because it will help assist in the proper handling of chieftaincy affairs in the State.

The Emir urged the Assembly to help in tackling insecurity in the Emirate because, despite his efforts and those of security agencies, criminals are resurfacing and launching new attacked.