Lalong Cautions Council Committees Against Self-Enrichment

Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State has warned newly sworn in Management Committee Chairmen of the 17 local government councils in the state not to use council funds for their personal enrichment but for the development of the councils.
Lalong gave the warning while swearing in the chairmen at the Government House in Rayfield Jos, on Thursday.
He said: “Let me warn that the season of primitive accumulation of wealth, where people get into offices with the primary purpose of self-enrichment is over. Now service must be driven by compassion for the people.
“The stakes are now much higher than before. I therefore urge you to justify the confidence reposed in you by focusing on issues that will proffer solutions to the challenges confronting the people.
The governor explained that “it became a matter of necessity for the government to dissolve the local government executive and legislative arms after an assessment of the operations of the councils within the provision of the law, which leaves much to be desired in government expectation of leadership at that level.”
He added: “As a responsible government committed to reducing the sufferings of
our people, we have satisfied in our estimation the requirement of law, conscience and the expectations of the people of Plateau in our actions.
“Our government, for the purpose of emphasis, will not fold her hands and watch those who are called to the highest threshold of accountability in leadership become unaccountable in public service to the mandate given to them. He stressed.
“As a new government, we are confronted with the challenge of paucity of funds in the midst of security concerns, myriad of social welfare and developmental challenges needing immediate attention, for which we are resolute on delivering on them in our quest, to restore Plateau to her glorious days and position of pride in the comity of states.
“Your selection as Management Committee Chairmen and that of your other members is a product of broad spectrum consultation, so that you are conscious of the expectation of the people and morally under the burden of conscience to deliver on the expectation of the citizenry.”
Lalong reminded the chairmen that “we are on a rescue mission and now as a part of the team, you are under mandate to provide purposeful leadership in line with our policy trust of revamping the economy, sustaining peace and security, ensuring prosperity through good
governance which is the hallmark of development; within the duration of your service.
He urged them to see their appointment as an opportunity to drive the needed change which the people at the grassroots yearn for and “for which we are under obligation to deliver.”
“You will be expected in your leadership to ensure budget intelligence
and project prioritisation in the completion of existing projects; prompt payments of salaries and the strict observance of statutory provisions in the business of governance,” he stated.
The governor appealed to the citizenry to have hope, saying “better days are here and the early signs have proved the commitment of government to the people.”