Despite a significant rise in FAAC allocations to States and local governments, Deltans continue to grapple with economic hardship like sheeps without a shepherd.
Recent data reveals that States and local government councils are now receiving nearly triple their previous level of federal allocation following the removal of subsidies and the floating of the Naira. The minimum increases any State received was 69%.
Moreover, oil-producing States also receive a 13% derivation, and there's revenue from Value Added Tax (VAT) shared among the three tiers of government.
It's important to note that the mentioned allocations exclude federal government interventions like cash and food items distributed to cushion the impact of fuel subsidy removal and Naira floatation.
The pressing question is: What is your State governor doing with the substantial funds allocated to the State?
Civil servants express dismay that despite the increased allocation, the Delta State government hasn't taken significant steps to alleviate the impact of fuel subsidy removal on its citizens.
In comparison, Governor Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has raised workers' salaries by 20% and provided additional palliatives, including rice for 300,000 households, reintroduction of Sunday markets for subsidized goods, subsidy on certain drugs, elimination of 'show of tax receipt' requirement in public schools, and reintroduction of 25% transport rebate/subsidy in Lagos, among other measures.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has announced initiatives worth approximately N5 billion to alleviate economic hardship, covering education, health, food palliatives, and support for civil servants, benefiting 300,000 households.
Similar efforts are underway in other States. Yet, the question remains: What actions has your governor taken to mitigate hardship?
While other States actively seek ways to alleviate economic hardship, Delta State's governance priorities seem misplaced, as the government focuses on controversial actions like restructuring one of its universities, instead of tackling economic challenges head-on. Under Okowa's leadership, the State government interfered with the university system for clannish and selfish reasons, setting a dangerous precedent now being followed by the incumbent governor.
It's regrettable that over the past twenty-four years, successive administrations have neglected to attract industries or create employment opportunities for graduates.
Currently, the State operates without a clear agenda, relying on autopilot and muddling through. This lack of proactive leadership is exacerbated by the beggarly cowardice and complacency of the elite and civil society leaders, who prioritize personal gains over the welfare of the people, undermining good governance and hindering socio-economic development.
Good governance is crucial for socio-economic development, requiring effective leadership, transparency, accountability, and citizen participation.
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