says funds accruable to councils from the federation account is not for
payment of workers’ salaries alone.
He noted that the essence of local government system is to bring
government and development to people at the grassroots.
The Chief of Staff stated this at the flag off the Ukeli Road, Rundele
in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State on Monday.
Woke, who was former chairman of Emohua council, said it is erroneous
for people to assume that all the funds accruable to any local
government should be expended on remuneration of staff alone. According
to him, council funds should primarily be targeted at developmental
projects in the rural areas.
He said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership in Emohua are in
support of steps taken by the council chairman, Dr Chidi Lloyd to rid
the council of ghost workers.
Woke observed that there has been attempt to distract the council
chairman since he embarked on personnel audit.
“Perhaps they do not understand that the statutory allocation that is
allocated to Emohua local government area is not for payment of
workers’salaries alone.
“Those who conceptualised the Nigerian constitution and allowed Nigeria
to operate a federal system of government did not make any mistake. The
idea is that while the federal government is executing projects that are
in the exclusive list, the state government will take those that are
their responsibility, the local government is expected to reach out to
the people.
“So, anybody who assumes that the local government allocation is to pay
salary of workers, fake and fraudulent people, is wrong. Enough is
enough.”
He advised the council chairman to ensure that genuine staffers receive
their salary as at when due because every labourer is worthy of his
wage.
Woke warned those threatening to destabilise the prevailing peace in the
council to have a rethink, as the PDP leadership in Emohua will not
succumb to any form of blackmail and intimidation.
He asserted that anyone who does not want to key into the new Emohua
vigilante system initiated by Dr Chidi Lloyd, should desist from
distracting him and his administration.
The Chief of Staff commended the Emohua council chairman for completing
three out of the eight projects he flagged off since he assumed office
last month.
“I have no doubt in my mind that you will perform, even as a
legislature, you did not fail the people of Emohua Local Government.”
Woke called for synergy between the legislative and executive arms in
the council, to ensure delivery of good governance and democratic
dividends to the people at the grassroots.
He implored the leadership of the legislature in the council not to
distract the chairman. In the same vein, he urged the chairman to ensure
that the legislators are not denied their entitlements.
The Chief of Staff said the Ukeli road when completed, will open the
area to investors who will provide employment opportunities for youths
of the area.
Chairman of Emohua Local Government Council, Dr Chidi Lloyd, explained
that the flag of the road and other projects is in fulfilment of his
electioneering campaign promises to the people of the council.