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Tag: Local Government

  • FG, states, LGs share N1.678trn for February – FAAC

    FG, states, LGs share N1.678trn for February – FAAC

    The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), has shared N1.678 trillion among the Federal Government, states and the Local Government Councils (LGCs) for the month of February.

    This is according to a communiqué issued by FAAC and made available by Bawa Mokwa, the Director, Press and Public Relations, Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF).

    According to the communiqué, the total revenue of N1.678 trillion comprised statutory revenue of N827.633 billion and Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue of N 609.430 billion.

    It also comprised Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) revenue of N35.171 billion, Solid Minerals revenue of N28.218 billion and Augmentation of N178 billion.

    It said that a total gross revenue of N2.344 trillion was available in the month of February.

    “Total deduction for cost of collection was N89.092 billion while total transfers, interventions, refunds and savings was N577.097 billion,’” it said.

    The FAAC issued communiqué said that gross statutory revenue of N1.653 trillion was received for the month of February, which was lower than the sum of N1.848 trillion received in January by N194.664 billion.

    It said that gross revenue of N654.456 billion was available from VAT in February, lower than the N771.886 billion available in January by N117.430 billion.

    The communiqué said that from the total distributable revenue of N1.678 trillion, the Federal Government received total sum of N569.656 billion and the state governments received total sum of N562.195 billion.

    It said that the LGCs received total sum of N410.559 billion, and a total sum of N136.042 billion (13 per cent of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting states as derivation revenue.

    “On the N827.633 billion statutory revenue, the Federal Government received N366.262 billion and the state governments received N185.773 billion.

    “The LGCs received N143.223 billion and the sum of N132.374 billion (13 per cent of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting states as derivation revenue,” the communiqué said.

    It said that from the N609.430 billion VAT revenue, the Federal Government received N91.415 billion, the state governments received N304.715 billion and the LGCs received N213.301 billion.

    “A total sum of N5.276 billion was received by the Federal Government from the N35.171 billion EMTL. The state governments received N17.585 billion and the LGCs received N12.310 billion.

    “From the N28.218 billion Solid Minerals revenue, the Federal Government received N12.933 billion and the state governments received N6.560 billion.

    “The LGCs received N5.057 billion and a total sum of N3.668 billion (13 per cent of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting States as derivation revenue,’” it said.

    It said that Oil and Gas Royalty and EMTL, increased significantly while VAT, Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), Companies Income Tax, Excise Duty, Import Duty and CET Levies recorded decrease.

  • Kaduna govt restricts movement ahead of Local Government elections on Saturday

    Kaduna govt restricts movement ahead of Local Government elections on Saturday

    The Kaduna state government has announced a statewide restriction of movement ahead of the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, October 19.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports the restriction, which will last from 6 am to 7 pm, is aimed at ensuring a peaceful and orderly election process.

    In a statement issued by the Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, stated that the restriction will affect all vehicular movement, commercial activities, and any other actions that may disrupt public peace during the election period.

    “However, individuals on essential duties with proper identification will be exempt from the restriction,”he added.
    He urged residents of the state to comply with the directive, warning against actions that could disturb the electoral process.

    The Commissioner noted that security agencies have been deployed across the state to enforce the restriction and ensure strict compliance.

    He then advised citizens to report any suspicious activities or actions that could undermine security during the elections to the security operations room via the following phone numbers: 09034000060 and 08170189999.

  • Autonomy only way to save LGs from paralysis – Shehu Sani

    Autonomy only way to save LGs from paralysis – Shehu Sani

    A civil rights activist and social critic, Sen. Shehu Sani, says local government autonomy is the only way to strengthen governance at the grassroots and save council areas from paralysis.

    Sani, who represented Kaduna Central in the 8th National Assembly and served as Chairman, Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, said this in an interview with NAN on Sunday

    The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice recently filed a suit at the Supreme Court against state governments, seeking the enforcement of full autonomy of the local governments in Nigeria.

    In the suit marked: SC/CV/343/2024, the Federal Government urged the court to issue an order prohibiting state governors from embarking on unilateral, arbitrary and unlawful dissolution of democratically elected local government leaders.

    The government urged the court to issue an order permitting funds standing in the credits of local governments to be directly channelled to them from the Federation Account in line with the provisions of the Constitution as against the alleged unlawful joint accounts created by governors.

    Besides ,FG prayed the Supreme Court for an order stopping governors from further constituting Caretaker Committees to run the affairs of local governments as against the constitutionally recognised and guaranteed democratic system.

    It equally applied for an order of injunction,restraining the governors and their agents and privies ,from receiving ,spending or tampering with funds released from the Federation Account for the benefit of local governments when no democratically elected local government system is put in place in states.

    The 36 governors were sued through their respective Attorneys General.

    Reacting, Sani said that the step by the federal government had potential to restore development at the grassroots and strengthen the local government system.

    “Local Government autonomy is the only way to save the LGs from bankruptcy and paralysis.

    “Poverty and insecurity in the country is rooted in the destruction of the local government system,” Sani said.

    According to him, most council chairmen only go to their offices when federal allocations are released.

    He said lack of financial and administrative autonomy for the local government had affected the performance of the third tier of government.

    Speaking further, Sani described FG’s proposal that State Electoral Commissions (SIECs) should be scrapped as a good move,saying scrapping SEICs would deepen democracy at the grassroots.

    “The scrapping of SIECs is a step in the right direction.

    “It has become impossible for opposition parties to win elections at the LG level because of the institutional rigging and imposition of candidates by state governors.

    “The chairmen of SIECs and staff of SIECs are all agents of the state governors and of the ruling party in their respective states, ” Sani said.

    Recall that Mr Lateef Fagbemi, Attorney-general of the Federation and Minister of justice, had on Monday proposed that State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) should be dispensed with.

    Speaking at a one-day discourse in Abuja, Fagbemi also posited that the powers of SIECs should be transferred to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Fagbemi said governors had exploited the flaws in certain sections of the 1999 constitution, effectively rendering local governments powerless and irrelevant.

    According to him, these inadequacies have allowed the governors to abuse the rights of local governments by using SIECs to impose leaders on them through sham elections.

    He said other governors who do not conduct sham polls appoint vassals as caretaker leaders for the local governments.

    Fagbemi called for a robust constitutional amendment that will remove all hindrances to the development of local governments, and bolster their ability to fulfil their constitutionally recognised mandate

  • Stop releasing funds to LG caretaker committees – Senate warns

    Stop releasing funds to LG caretaker committees – Senate warns

    The Senate has urged the Federal Government to stop further allocation of funds to caretaker committee-led local government councils nationwide.

    This followed the adoption of a motion  by Sen. Suleiman Kawu (NNPP-Kano) on Urgent Call on the President to Resuscitate Local Government System in Nigeria, at Wednesday’s plenary.

    “The challenges we face, persistent security threats, rural-urban migration, decaying infrastructure and widespread unemployment, demand bold action.

    “And we believe that empowering local government areas holds the key to unlocking a brighter future for all Nigerians,” he said.

    Moving the motion, Kawu said that the dream of achieving the objectives of the local government system encountered harsh realities.

    “Successive governments often eroded local autonomy, limiting their financial resources and control over decision-making.

    “Corruption scandals and mismanagement tarnished the image of some local governments, fueling public cynicism,” he said.

    The lawmaker also expressed worry that some governors played a crucial role in frustrating local government autonomy in Nigeria through constitutional alteration processes.

    “With limited financial and operational autonomy, local governments may  struggle to effectively address local security concerns like community policing initiatives and intelligence gathering.

    Contributing, Sen. Ahmad Lawan (APC-Yobe) said that local governments must be effective and must be guaranteed by the Constitution.

    ” I urge that we find a way of improving the capacity of those who run the local government system. Because I believe this requires devolution of powers.”

    Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu (APC-Abia) said that local government funds must be returned 100 per cent to the local government councils and improve the capacity of the people running the councils.

    Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah (APC-Anambra) said that to promote good governance in the country, “we must amend  Section Seven  of the 1999 Constitution.We need to amend so that we can start having values for democracy in our states.

    “A state like Anambra has not conducted local government election in the last 18 years.”

    In his remarks, the Deputy Senate President,  Jibrin Barau,  who presided over plenary said the motion was apt and in tandem with “the zeal of all senators to bring sanity to bear in the local government system.

  • Gov. Alia inaugurates caretaker committees for Benue LGs

    Gov. Alia inaugurates caretaker committees for Benue LGs

    Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue, has inaugurated caretaker committees to run the affairs of the local government councils in the state, pending the election of new councils.

    Performing the ceremony at the New Banquet Hall of the Government House, Makurdi, Alia said that the action was in line with Section 21(3), sub-section (1) and (2) of the Local Government (Amendment) Law, 2012 of the state.

    He said that the caretaker committees were for 21 out of the 23 local councils, as the State House of Assembly had yet to confirm the nominees for Agatu and Oju local councils.

    “I stand before you today to inaugurate the chairmen and members of local government interim councils in accordance with Section 21(3), sub-section (1) and (2) of the Local Government (Amendment) Law 2012, as enacted by the esteemed Benue State House of Assembly.

    “Today, we are witnessing the birth of a new era, an era of progress, unity and prosperity for the people of Benue State.

    ‘’As we embark on this new chapter, as Government we recognize the immense responsibility that lies upon our shoulders.

    Our primary duty is to serve the people, to be their voice and to advocate for their needs and aspirations, ”he said.

    He tasked the new chairmen to ensure that the concerns of the people were heard, their rights were protected and their lives improved upon.

    “It is our duty to fulfill those expectations.

    “To the chairmen and members of the interim councils, I urge you to embrace this opportunity to lead with integrity, transparency and fairness.

    Your role is not merely administrative; it is a chance to make a real difference in the lives of the people you represent.

    “I encourage you to listen attentively to their needs, to engage in meaningful dialogue and to collaborate with all stakeholders. By fostering an inclusive environment, we can harness the collective wisdom and strengths of our diverse population, ensuring a more prosperous future for all.

    “Remember, leadership is not about personal gains or accolades; it is about service and sacrifice. It is about putting the needs of the people before our own and working tirelessly to create an enabling environment for growth, development and progress.

    Let us be guided by the principles of good governance, transparency and accountability at all times, ”he said.

    He expressed confidence in the ability of members of the committees to excel in their new responsibilities and urged them to serve with distinction, rise above limitations, break barriers and bring positive changes in the state.

    “Finally, you will observe that only 21 interim chairmen have taken their oath of office. Our primary goal is to ensure a smooth and well-executed governance system that benefits both the government and the local communities it serves.

    “While we understand the challenges and apprehension that come with such decisions, be assured that due processes would be followed to ensure the early inauguration of the remaining chairmen.

    “As you proceed to your respective local Governments, expedite the process of swearing in other members of your interim council,” he said.

    Speaking on behalf of the caretaker committees, Mr Philip Achua, the caretaker Chairman, Konshisha LG, pledged to justify their appointment by working toward the success of the administration.

    The Benue State House of Assembly had ordered the dissolution of the elected local councils after uncovering large scale fraud in their operations.

  • Using local governments to scoop national funds – By Owei Lakemfa

    Using local governments to scoop national funds – By Owei Lakemfa

    Aare Afe Babalola, the 94-year-old Senior Advocate of Nigeria with a 60-year experience at the bar, recently revealed an open secret: that virtually all state governors are stealing the funds of the local governments.

    The nonagenarian founder of Afe Babalola University lamented on September 7: “When I was a councillor, in those days, local government funds used to come directly to them. We all know what has been happening to their money. I think the current President (Bola Tinubu) should do all he can to ensure that local government allocation gets to them directly and not through the governors because they (governors) steal a lot.”

    It is tragic for Nigeria that an old man whose life has revolved around the rule of law, knows better to appeal to political authorities than advocate for the rule of law, as it would be a waste of time.

    Indeed, the local government contraption is a fraudulent system operating on the wings of mass deceit. It has been so for about half a century. I recall the shock of a younger friend when he went on his National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, primary assignment in a local government. The Council Chairman came to the secretariat once monthly to share the monthly federal allocation. He took ‘his share’, gave his councillors theirs, paid the staff and gave the balance to the influential persons in the area. All dispersed happily to await the next allocation. That was during the Babangida dictatorship.

    Under the Abacha regime, there was a directive that traditional rulers be given five per cent of the local government allocation. This led to squabbles in some areas as the fight for supremacy amongst them which would determine the share of the loot they collect, intensified. In some areas, in order to get greater share, kingdoms were subdivided. In cases where traditional kingdoms spanned across two or more states, additional traditional rulers were installed so they can share the states largesse.

    This July, I attended a reception for a former local government chairman who narrated some of his experiences under the state governor. In one instance, he and his colleagues were invited to meet His Excellency. While seated, a document was passed round for the signatures of the Council Chairmen. In it, they were allegedly empowering the state government to deduct payments over a period for a sundry of things. He said on enquiring when the chairmen met to take such a decision, he became a marked man.

    In another instance, he said the Chairmen were instructed to sign vouchers for the purchase of a Hilux van each as the state government donation to the police. He said when he contacted a well-known motor dealer to ask for the price of the vehicle, he discovered that the price on each voucher was over 100 per cent higher. He said when he pointed this out to the governor, he promised to investigate. He added that he then decided that his local government would directly buy the vehicle and deliver to the government house. This he said, seemed to have sealed his political fate in the state.

    In practice, local government leaders are foot mats of governors. In the first place, they might have been appointed by the governor as the ‘elected’ leaders of the local governments. So it is a servant/slave-master relationship. It is, therefore, almost impossible for a local government chairman to raise a voice against a governor. This rarity occurred in Ogun State when the Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government Area, Wale Adedayo, accused Governor Dapo Abiodun of diverting in the last two years, the statutory federal allocation to the local governments.

    Adedayo, a self-determination activist and journalist, alleged that over N10.8bn fund of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme was also diverted by the governor. He also claimed that the 10 per cent of the state’s internally generated revenue which, constitutionally, should be paid local governments had been withheld for years. Adedayo claimed that this zero allocation to the local governments had been going on since the days of Senator Ibikunle Amosun, the governor’s predecessor.

    Governor Abiodun not only denied the allegations but also claimed his administration augments the funds allocated to local governments in the state to enable them meet their obligations.

    What logically should follow is the state government publishing the claimed allocations and release of funds, especially when they would have been done through the banks and not across the table. Rather, Adedayo was hounded. His fellow chairmen denied him and went to prostrate for the governor. His legislative council suspended him from office. The State Security Services detained him for days. The police also detained him. Then, he was arraigned on a two-count charge based on a petition signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi. It states: “Petition against Wale Adedayo’s deliberate circulation of falsehood, false report to government, threat to life and interference with the exercise of executive function.”

    Basically, local government allocations are regarded as free funds to be squandered. Just as the crooked would use bread to scoop the communal soup, so do many of our leaders use local government funds to scoop our national funds.

    In the first place, the creation of local governments in the last 40 years has been based on fraud. Powerful people went shopping to be allocated local governments. Military officers who sat in the inglorious ruling military councils allocated local governments to themselves. These creations followed no rules, objective criteria, logic or sense; they simply flow from the power relations in the military. The more successful coup plotters you have in the military regimes, the more local governments you had; invariably, the less coup plotters you could muster, the less local governments your ‘people’ would have. This is why today, while Lagos State which was created on on May 27, 1967 has 20 local governments, the old Kano State created the same day, has 71 (present Kano and Jigawa states). Bayelsa State which contributes about one third of national wealth has eight local governments, while many states which contribute very little, have quadrupled that number. Yet the number of local governments are part of the criteria for the allocation and distribution of national wealth.

    While the idea of local governments being the third tier of government is very good, its practice is iniquitous, unfair, immoral and obstructive of social justice in the country.

    Since the Constitution states unequivocally that: “Nigeria shall be a Federation consisting of States and a Federal Capital Territory” (Section 2 sub section 2), a practical and equitable way forward is for the present local governments to be scrapped, and allow each federating state to create the number of local governments it needs and can afford.

  • Ekiti Assembly extends tenure of Local Government Officials

    Ekiti Assembly extends tenure of Local Government Officials

    Ekiti State House of Assembly has approved the extension of the tenure of local government officials to three years, taking effect from the next administration.

    The extension is contained in a bill passed into law, titled, “Ekiti State Local Government Administration, 2023”, during the Assembly plenary on Thursday.

    The passage of the bill was sequel to the submission of the report of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, headed by Hon. Reuben Awoyemi.

    Awoyemi, while reading the report, stated that the submission was in response to an appeal from various stakeholders in the Local Government systems.

    He also expressed that the bill was to further enhance the operations of council establishments, composition, finance and administration of the councils and the provision of the necessary time for Local Government officials to deliver on their mandate.

    In their contributions, members, including Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; Adegoke Olajide, and Johnson Oyekola Adeoye, remarked that the bill was essential to development at the grassroots.

    The bill was passed by the lawmakers after careful consideration of the report.

    Another bill, titled, “Yoruba Language Preservation and Promotion, 2023”, was equally passed by the lawmakers at the plenary.

    The bill seeks to reinforce a wide usage and general acceptance of the Yoruba language in the country, and to sustain the promotion of Yoruba language as the second official language in Nigeria, and a language for business transaction in the southwest.

    The bill was unanimously passed after consideration by members.

  • Slain Catholic cleric, Reverend Father Isaac Achi buried in Minna

    Slain Catholic cleric, Reverend Father Isaac Achi buried in Minna

    Reverend Father Isaac Achi of St. Peters and Paul Catholic Church in Kafin-Koro, Paikoro Local Government Area of Niger State, who got burnt by bandits few weeks ago has been buried at the St Michael Catholic Cemetery in Bosso, Local Government Areas of the state amid tears.

    Catholic priests stormed the cemetery in their large numbers to pay their last respect to one of their own who lost his life to banditry.

    Recall that the priest was set ablaze in his residence when the bandits could not gain access to the parish house last Sunday, while his assistant, Fr. Collins was shot while trying to escape.

    Reverend Father Achi was the CAN coordinator of Paikoro Local Government Area, and the Dean and Parish Priest of St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church Kaffin-Koro in Minna Diocese.

    Speaking during the funeral service, the Dean of the Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA), Catholic University, Port Harcourt, Very Reverend Father Samuel Gwimi described the gruesome murder of Fr. Achi as shocking to him and other priests.

    According to him: “We are still looking for answers and explanations as to why he was killed, but we have also consoled ourselves in the Lord knowing the slain priest is resting in the bosom of God.”

    Gwimi called on other priests and Christians to immortalize Rev. Achi by exhibiting his character of generosity and seeker of truth and peace.

    “Father Achi has touched every one of us in one way or the other. His generosity to individuals and groups cannot be quantified, and that is why his death is painful to us all. The separation from him is painful because of the touch and impact he has had in our lives.”

    He also appealed to political leaders and security agents in the nation to be more proactive about the issues of security to stop future occurrences from happening.

    “Father Achi fought a good fight of faith and finished the race and is already sitting peacefully with God,” the cleric added.

     

  • Wike challenges President Buhari to release names of governors diverting LG funds

    Wike challenges President Buhari to release names of governors diverting LG funds

    Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state has asked President Buhari to release names of governors who diverted local government allocations in the country.

    Recall that the President on Tuesday, accused some governors of diverting funds meant for local governments councils sent from the federation’s account.

    He also noted that State governors make council chairmen sign undertakings for money not received.

    However, during the commissioning of a project in Port Harcourt on Friday, Gov. Wike claimed that he has never touched monies meant for the local government since he came on board in 2015.

    The governor also claimed that none of the G5 governors in the Peoples Democratic Party has ever touched local government allocations.

    He then challenged the President to name the governors who tamper with local government allocations.

    Wike said ” I challenge Mr. President, you must come out and tell Nigerians those committing this offence.

    “You said the Governors are taking local government funds. I want to say, in the name of Almighty God, I’ve never touched local government funds one day. I have never and I have no reason to do that.

    “So Mr President, tell us who are those people? You know them, tell us.

    “I’m not one of those governors. Mr President tells Nigerians that the Integrity Governors are not part of them.

    “Do us a favour to announce all those states that are taking local government funds”.

  • Buhari receives NIPSS Report, flays corruption in Local Government system

    Buhari receives NIPSS Report, flays corruption in Local Government system

    President Muhammadu Buhari has flayed the tendency of some chief executives to encourage corruption at the local government system, thereby inhibiting development at the grassroots.

    The president made his feelings known at a parley with members of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) No. 44 (2022) of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, on Thursday in Abuja.

    He narrated his personal experience on stemming the tide of corruption in the local government system after the presentation of the report of NIPSS SEC 44.

    President Buhari listened to comments on the Course 44 presentation, themed ‘‘Strengthening Local Governance in Nigeria: Challenges, Options and Opportunities”, by some members of the Federal Executive Council, who aired their personal views on enhancing the autonomy of local governments.

    The president also narrated his own experience on the treatment of local governments by some State governments.

    ‘‘I found it necessary to digress after reading my speech and this digression is as a result of my personal experience.

    ‘‘What they did, this is my personal experience, if the money from the Federation Account to the State is about N100 million, N50 million will be sent to the Chairman but he will sign that he received N100 million. The Governor will pocket the balance and share it with whoever he wants to share it with.

    ‘‘And then the Chairman of the local government must see how much he must pay in salaries and to hell with development. When he pays the salaries of the bigman, the balance he will put in his pocket.

    ‘‘This is what’s happening. This is Nigeria. It’s a terrible thing; you cannot say the person who was doing this is not educated.’’

    Buhari urged public office holders to be guided by their conscience and personal integrity wherever they find themselves.

    He pledged that the recommendations contained in the presentation of SEC 44 would be painstakingly studied by the government with the view to implementing its recommendations.

    While declaring that his administration has done so much in building trust between the government and the people, the President noted that the report would largely assist in the provision of good governance to the people at the grassroots levels and by extension win back their trust in government.

    ‘‘It is obvious that government cannot afford to pay lip-service to the recommendations contained in this report.

    ‘‘I assure you that the Report will be treated with the seriousness and urgency it deserves. Government will study the report with the view to implementing the carefully detailed recommendations,’’ he said.

    He commended the quality of the report, the commitment and dedication that went into it, saying that ”the National Institute can always be trusted to deliver on very critical and sensitive assignments of national importance.”

    He expressed delight that the Institute had been exceptional in handling several assignments.

    According to him, the current submission is a commendable improvement on the existing standards.

    ‘‘The quality of the presentation, and the confidence with which they were made, strongly attests to the quality of training the participants received during the course.

    ”I congratulate you for justifying the confidence and trust reposed in each and every one of you by your respective nominations.

    ‘‘I am also happy with the level of knowledge and discipline you have all openly demonstrated. I have been briefed of the rigorous training process you all underwent at Kuru. Your graduation therefore is well deserved,’’ the president told the 89 participants of Senior Executive Course 44.

    He added that he was convinced that they are all now well equipped for the strategic tasks, increased responsibilities, and positions of authority of trust.

    ‘‘I challenge you to go back to your various establishments, units, posts, beats, departments, directorates, Ministries, Parastatals, commissions, commands, agencies to revitalize, reinvigorate, reform and rejig your various platforms and spheres of influence, responsibility and leadership,’’ he said.

    After listening to some demands by the leadership of NIPSS, Buhari promised to look into some of the challenges facing the Institute, adding that no government establishment exists without challenges.

    According to the president, his administration is poised to complete the review and passage of the NIPSS establishment act and condition of service before handover in May 2023.

    To this extent, the president directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Office of the Head of Service of the Federation to take all necessary steps to its actualization.

    In his remarks, the Director-General of NIPSS, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, said the Course participants undertook study tours of 14 States of the Federation, six African countries and six countries outside Africa.

    ‘‘This enabled them to have both local and international perspectives on local governance, how to overcome challenges in achieving it, identify the available opportunities to strengthen it and develop workable options to be considered by government in strengthening local governance,’’ he said.