Financial constraint is hindering LG performance, says Otirhue

Chairman of Delta State Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Joseph Otirhue

The Chairman of Delta State Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Joseph Otirhue has stated that finance is the major constraint hindering Local Government Councils  performance in the State.

Mr Otirhue made the statement when members of the Indigenous Correspondents Chapel (ICC) of Nigeria Union of Journalists paid him a courtesy visit at his office, yesterday (9/6/2021).

Reacting to a question on the achievements of Local Governments, the Chairman of the Commission explained Local Government Councils were created with the intention of bringing development to the grass root but the financial capacity to execute their functions is a challenge.

Otirhue noted that despite the insufficient resources, some council areas in the State have been able embark on large-scale projects to improve the lives of the People.

He however observed that only way to achieve the purpose for which Local Governments were created is to increase the allocation from the Federal Government.

He said “ so far I would say they have not done badly. Local Government was created to bring Government down to the grassroot and also bring development down to the grassroot and so they have enormous responsibilities but the major thing has been that the financial requirement is not always there.

“ Many of them have employed so much staff than they can cater for and so when their resources come, the battle on how to pay wages and primary school teachers salary.

“At the end of the day, they find it difficult to even carry out their responsibility. So it is not as if they are not willing to work but the financial muscle is not there.”

Continuing,“ So that is why there has been this agitation that the Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission to do something about the sharing formula whereby the State and the LG allocation should be increased.

“ But I tell you today, with the little they are receiving, many of them have been performing as well. Because for the past six years as I know in Delta State, most of the LG embark on major projects like equipping health centers and building of offices of LG staff.”

“ So I would tell you that if they have more resources, they will do more. But the major constraint now is that the financial position of the LG is very poor.” He added.

Earlier,the  Chairman of ICC, Comrade Andy Emephia, said the visit is aimed at seeking ways to partner with Commission to promote information dissemination at the grass root.