Hon Onuigbo hails Governor Zulum for ordering direct release of LG Funds to Councils

A member of the Governing Board of North East Development Commission (NEDC), Rep. Sir. Sam Onuigbo, says the recent directive by the Borno State governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum that Local Government funds from the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) should be sent directly to the councils rekindles hope for grassroots development in Nigeria.

In a letter of commendation to Governor Zulum, dated February 2, 2026, Hon Onuigbo, who is also the Chairman of Security, Special Intervention and Climate Change Committee in the NEDC, pointed out that what the Borno State Governor did was not only commendable, but also sets a sterling example for other state governors to emulate and ensure that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform initiatives bear fruits at the grass roots.

While assuring Governor Zulum that posterity will remember his emblematic gesture of transparency and ethical leadership, he noted that coming from an incumbent governor, the directive has vindicated his stance that democracy could not be felt at the grassroots mainly because of state Governors’ control of council allocations and the LG system.

Sir Onuigbo, who is also a former two-term member of the House of Representatives, explained that he decided to commend the Governor for the courage and purposeful leadership he demonstrated by siding with Nigeria’s constitution, democratic due process and the common masses.

While praying for more wisdom from God for Governor Zulum, Onuigbo expressed confidence that Local Government Council chairpersons in Borno State can now prove their mettle and help in fighting insecurity, unemployment and anti-social behaviours among young people.

The two-term Rep Member recalled President Tinubu’s charge on state Governors to allow the large funds accruing to the states to trickle down and help assuage the economic challenges facing the masses, reiterating that democracy can only deliver much goods to a greater number if every tire of government fulfils its function.

Hanto Daily News recalls that penultimate week, Governor Zulum had ordered direct payment of monthly federal allocations to the 27 Local Government Areas of Borno State, noting that the move was intended to boost transparency and empower local government chairpersons for grassroots development.

Part of the letter read: “My attention was drawn to a piece of joyous report regarding Your Excellency’s firm directive that the Monthly (Federal) Allocations To the 27 Local Government Councils of Borno State should be paid directly to the various councils.
“I was also elated that Your Excellency’s order was specifically to boost transparency in local government finances and empower the Local Government Council Chairpersons to actualize and speed up grassroots development.
“Your Excellency, I am highly excited that such succinct directive came from an incumbent State Chief executive. I feel vindicated, because over the years, I have been in the forefront of advocacy for the financial autonomy of Local Government Councils.
“My call on your colleague governors to take their hands-off Local Government Council funds was at great personal and political costs. As a former Commissioner in my state, as yourself, I had first-hand knowledge of how far financial constraints hampered Local Government Council bosses from optimum performance of their constitutional responsibilities.”