Council Chairman Demands Upward Review of Allocation in Nigeria
The Executive Chairman of Uyo local government area in Akwa Ibom state, Dr Uwemedimo Udo has called for an upward review of revenue sharing formula in Nigeria..
The Chairman made the demand when he received the Executive and members of Federated Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists led by Comrade Nsibiet John in his office on a courtesy visit.
According to him, the Federal Government of Nigeria is depriving local council of funds. He called on the Revenue Mobilization Allocation Fiscal Commission(RMAFC) to urgently implement the new revenue formula that will give more funds to the local and state government in Nigeria. “If reviewed the situation of the local councils will change”. Saying the essence of the call for was for the development of the rural areas.
“The time has come for the federal government to shed some of its weight as far as revenue sharing formula is concerned so as to enable the states and local government areas which are closer to the people to have more funds for development.
“Our responsibilities at the local government level has increased, our wage bill has increased yet revenue is still static making it difficult to pay even salary” he lamented.
He also called for devolution of powers and maintained that the federal government has no business in constructing roads.
“There should be nothing like federal roads and state roads. All roads are located within the states and local government areas. So if the state and local government areas have more funds from the federation account, it will be easier for them to construct roads and monitor its progress for timely completion” he posited.
Dr. Udo who congratulated comrade Nsibiet John for being found worthy to lead the largest chapel of the union, but however, regretted the damage done to the noble profession by quacks.
“It is very sad that today any one with an Android phone believes he is a journalist. There are some newspapers today that we cannot show to our children unlike before when newspapers were reliable sources of information and education”
He assured Federated Chapel of the support of the council towards a successful retreat and seminar for members of the chapel saying there is no limit to learning as whatever we learn is added to our knowledge bank.
