By Ochuko Oghenede
ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has called upon Local Government Council Chairmen to monitor the activities of revenue collectors in order to alleviate the burden of fuel subsidy removal on the people. During a courtesy visit by the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Delta State Chapter, led by Hon. Victor Ebonka, at Government House in Asaba on Wednesday, Oborevwori expressed concern over the hardships faced by the people due to the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government. He cautioned the Council chairmen against imposing multiple taxes and urged them to avoid burdening the people further during this critical time.
Oborevwori acknowledged the financial challenges faced by local government councils and expressed hope that the removal of fuel subsidy would result in increased revenue for the local governments and states. However, until such an improvement occurs, he emphasized the need for prudent and creative resource management. While acknowledging the importance of taxes as a source of revenue for the councils, he assured the chairmen that conflicting issues and laws would be addressed.
Given the current hardships caused by the subsidy removal, Oborevwori appealed to the chairmen to communicate with their agents and tax collectors, urging them not to impose unnecessary taxes on the people. He emphasized the importance of managing the high expectations of the people and providing palliatives in light of the increased fuel prices. Additionally, he urged the Councils to prioritize environmental sanitation and sustainability, as keeping Delta State clean is a collective responsibility.
Regarding the development of the grassroots, Oborevwori highlighted the crucial role played by local governments in the democratic setting. He praised the peace, stability, and strong synergy between the local government administration and the state government in Delta State. Furthermore, the Governor pledged to collaborate with the local government councils to address the backlog of pension payments owed to local government retirees and retired primary school teachers. He assured the chairmen that his administration would sustain the progress made in rural development and pledged not to interfere with their finances while providing necessary assistance.
Hon. Victor Ebonka, speaking on behalf of ALGON, congratulated Governor Oborevwori on his election and expressed loyalty to his administration’s M.O.R.E Agenda. He commended the Governor’s leadership style, which promoted peace and stability in the legislature, and acknowledged the establishment of mechanisms for prompt dispute resolution without summoning local government council chairmen to the State Assembly. He appealed to the Governor to address conflicting laws regarding building permits, sanitation, and waste management. Ebonka also appreciated the Governor’s assistance in resolving pension liabilities for local government pensioners and retired primary school teachers and expressed gratitude for working out modalities in this regard.
