By Abubakar Rabilu, Gombe
The Gombe State Government has called for stronger grassroots security and greater accountability as the newly elected chairmen of the state’s 11 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 13 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) assume office.
The call was made during the third day of a three-day orientation programme organised by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development for the 24 council chairmen.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Community Development, Barr. Sani Ahmad Haruna, said effective grassroots administration required a sound understanding of the laws guiding local government operations, prudent management of public resources, and close cooperation with security agencies and communities.
He said the orientation exposed the chairmen to local government laws, security, primary education, anti-corruption measures, communication and the historical evolution of local government administration.
Haruna urged the chairmen to familiarise themselves with their statutory responsibilities and limitations, stressing that doing so would enable them to deliver effectively to their communities.
He also reminded those who had yet to complete their asset declarations to do so, describing it as a statutory responsibility of public office holders.
The commissioner urged the chairmen to work closely with traditional rulers, community leaders and security agencies to address emerging security challenges and maintain peace in their respective areas.
He further advised them to communicate their achievements transparently to the public, particularly as the 2027 general elections approach.
Also speaking, the Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Hon. Abubakar Muhammad Luggerewo, urged the chairmen to operate strictly within the provisions of the law.
Luggerewo said knowledge of the constitutional and legal framework governing local governments and LCDAs was essential for accountability and effective service delivery.
“You cannot deliver very well unless you know your scope and limitations,” he said.
He urged the chairmen to study the 1999 Constitution, the laws establishing local governments and LCDAs, as well as relevant legislation on procurement and internally generated revenue.
The Speaker assured that the House of Assembly would continue to exercise its oversight functions over the councils by scrutinising financial records and inspecting projects to ensure accountability and value for money.
Meanwhile, the Gombe State Police Command called for stronger partnerships among security agencies, local authorities and communities to prevent crime and strengthen grassroots security.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, who represented the Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Ahmed Chuso, said the police could not secure every home, market, farm, school and neighbourhood without the support of local communities.
He urged the chairmen to establish effective intelligence networks involving traditional rulers, district heads, councillors, youth groups and other community stakeholders.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Adamu Dishi Kupto, called for the deployment of additional military personnel to vulnerable communities to flush out bandits and other criminal elements.
Kupto said some suspects arrested in connection with recent security incidents were believed to have links with people within the affected communities.
He urged security agencies to intensify operations against bandits, their informants and other criminals, while calling on the new council chairmen to promptly share security intelligence with relevant authorities.
He said stronger collaboration between the government, security agencies and communities remained critical to protecting lives and property and sustaining peace across Gombe State.