The President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in Delta State,Ziko Okwudi, confirmed that the 25 local government councils in Delta State are on course to receive direct funding from the Federal Allocation, in line with a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Speaking to reporters in Warri on Tuesday, Okwudi emphasized that Delta State stands out in its commitment to local government financial autonomy.
“Delta State has no issues with the Supreme Court judgement mandating local councils to open bank accounts for direct funding,” Okwudi said.
“Unlike other states where allocations are tampered with, Delta has consistently supported local government autonomy.”
He further praised Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration, noting the strong relationship between the state government and local councils.
Okwudi highlighted that whenever there has been a financial shortfall, the governor has ensured that primary school teachers and local government workers are paid on time.
“Following the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government financial autonomy, Governor Oborevwori promptly directed council chairmen to work closely with the Accountant General to meet the requirements for direct funding,” Okwudi said.
“He has always been supportive of financial autonomy for local councils and has ensured that they are well-prepared to receive direct remittances,”he said.
Okwudi also addressed concerns about whether all local councils had completed the necessary procedures to receive direct federal funding, stating that any delays were not the fault of the state government.
“The governor is eager to see local councils access their funds directly and has provided all the necessary guidance.
In cases of shortfalls, the state has consistently stepped in to ensure salaries are paid,” Okwudi said.
He concluded by reaffirming the governor’s commitment to local government financial autonomy and expressed confidence that the transition to direct funding would relieve the state government of the financial burden of supporting local councils during shortfalls
