Niger LG Chair Alleges Gov Bago Sabotaged His Administration
The outgoing chairman of Shiroro Local Government Area in Niger State, Isyaku Akilu Kuta, has accused Governor Umar Bago of restricting his core responsibilities, saying that if he were to curse the governor, “it will catch up with him.”
Kuta made the remarks during a farewell reception in Kuta, the local government headquarters, where he thanked residents for their support throughout his tenure.
He said his performance as chairman was heavily constrained by the lack of autonomy, which prevented him from making appointments or executing development projects.
“But because of wickedness and cheating from our leader as a council chairman of Shiroro Local Government Area for years, I couldn’t even secure a single pensionable appointment for my people,” Kuta lamented.
Recalling his track record in previous political roles, he said, “I can remember when I was ward councillor I secured appointments for 37 people.
“My goals as a council chairman, out of 100 percent, I couldn’t achieve even 30 percent.”
He expressed frustration that even his personal and administrative needs were unmet due to constraints imposed by the state government. “And it is normal as a human being I should have needs I should achieve. But my needs were not actualised,” Kuta said.
The outgoing chairman also criticised Governor Bago for controlling access to resources essential for effective leadership.
“Chairmanship is a responsibility assigned to me by the people, and I must be given a way to deliver my responsibilities diligently. And a leader is there in the state sitting on my responsibilities, denying me resources to deliver. This is very painful.
“My first goal as chairman of Shiroro was the issue of persistent insecurity, but insecurity is a work of God. Secondly is to make sure I create a job for people not to stay hungry.
He further highlighted unemployment challenges, noting that in three years, over 3,000 graduates were produced in Shiroro without corresponding job opportunities, while more than 600 civil servants retire annually.
It was reported that Governor Bago allocates only N10 million monthly to council chairmen, plus N5 million monthly as security votes.
The state also now pays the salaries of both council and state employees, taking over the payment of council civil servants.
The swearing-in of newly elected 25 council chairmen is scheduled for today, December 12, following local government elections on November 1, in which all councils were won by All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates.
Kuta concluded his speech with a strong denunciation of what he described as injustices during his tenure. “God punished whoever said I should forgive. You cheated the insiders (council chairmen) and you as well cheated the outsiders too,” he said.
In July 2024, the Supreme Court ruled that local governments must have full financial and administrative autonomy, prohibiting state governments from withholding federal allocations meant for councils.
Despite the ruling, Niger State councils continue to operate under limited budgets, affecting payments for casual staff, security, and basic administrative costs.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
