- * Says Maina's Conviction, Big Boost To Anti-Corruption zwar
By Chinwendu Agoha (Governance Reporter)
The proposal by the Federal Government to shed part of its statutory revenue allocation, along with the States governments in favor of the third tier of government- local governments- has been described as progressive and commendable.
The Buhari Media Organisation (BMO) considers the move as not only magnanimous but a deliberate attempt by the Buhari administration to devolve governance to the people at the grassroots.
In a statement by its Chairman, Niyi Akinsiju and Secretary, Cassidy Madueke, BMO noted that Federal Government mooted the idea at a town hall meeting in Abuja on Tuesday 9th November 2021, on the review of vertical revenue formula by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC)
"The new proposal will give the 774 local governments a 3.13% increase which will move the revenue allocation of the local governments from its present 20.60% to the proposed figure of 23.73%. The Federal Government will shed 2.03% of its allocation, while the States will shed 1.10%.
"We are confident that with the Federal Government's proposal the much-talked-about restructuring is already in progress as more resources will be made available for the development of the country's rural communities and fiscal federalism will no longer be the war cry of opposition elements.
"We say this bearing in mind that the third tier of government is saddled with enormous responsibilities, ranging from the provision of primary healthcare, development, and repair of rural roads and other infrastructures; primary and secondary schools, markets, and catering for the general well-being of the residents".
BMO commended President Muhammadu Buhari's administration for its foresight in thinking favorably "of the 774 local governments, a move which we believe will address the multi-faceted developmental challenges confronting Nigeria’s rural communities.
"Even as we acknowledge that this is an initial proposal by the Federal Government, and still subject to inputs of all stakeholders, we believe that the Federal Government has taken the right step in the right direction, as developments in the local governments will positively impact a greater number of Nigerians", the statement added.
The diligent prosecution of the former chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), Abdulrasheed Maina, for defrauding the Federal Government of the sum of N2.1 Billion pension funds is a big victory for the fight against corruption.
Justice Okon Abang of a Federal High Court Abuja had found Maina guilty of corruption charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and sentenced him to 61 years imprisonment which will run concurrently for eight years.
According to the Buhari Media Organisation (BMO), in a statement signed by its Chairman Niyi Akinsiju and Secretary Cassidy Madueke, Maina's conviction has put to rest the speculations on the determination of the Buhari administration to fight corruption to a conclusive end.
"It also shows that no one is considered a sacred cow by this administration and that the Federal Government is not, and will never, shield anyone from prosecution over corruption.
"We also recall that in the desire of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to ensure that Maina did not escape from justice, machinery was put in place to repatriate him from the Niger Republic when he fled from justice".
BMO added that Maina’s conviction will serve as a lesson to other top government officials who might be tempted to tamper with public funds in their care and to know that the Buhari administration means serious business in the fight against corruption.
"We want to restate that the Buhari administration is the only one that has demonstrated its commitment towards addressing the cankerworm of corruption in Nigeria", the statement added. NNL.
