Be Transparent On State, LGs Joint Account - Senator Dickson Tasks Governors

Former Governor of Bayelsa State and Senator representing Bayelsa West in the Senate , Senator Seriake Dickson has admonished the Governors of the 36 States of the federation to be transparent in the handling of States and Local Government Councils Joint Accounts .

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Dickson who made the call at the National Assembly in Abuja Friday after conferment of Transparency in Leadership Merit Award on him by Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness , said Transparency Law put in place by his administration in Bayelsa State , ensures probity and accountability in handling of the account .

According to him, from February 14, 2012 to February 14, 2020 when he served as Executive Governor of Bayelsa State , not a dime was taken from monies meant for the eight local government councils in the state from Federation Account .

" Instrumentality of law used to drive transparency on the joint account , was Transparency Law enacted in 2012 upon assumption of office and strictly adhered to by all parties concerned as far as the account was concerned .

" The transparency law was a template set in Bayelsa State for exercising financial autonomy of the local government councils.

" Apart from not taking a dime from federally allocated monies to any of the local government councils in Bayelsa State under my leadership as Governor , 15% of internally generated revenues by the State , was on monthly basis , given to the LGs for grassroots development.

'" The law is also being adhered to by the present government in the State , making one to say that in Bayelsa State is not one of any state where the joint account is being abused .

"Having ensured transparency in governance in Bayelsa State within the last ten years , I urge the governments of the remaining 35 States in the country , to put in place transparency law as required mechanism of handling the States / LGs joint accounts ", he said .

He dedicated the award conferred on him to all the key players of restoration government he led in Bayelsa State from 2012 to 2020 .

Earlier in his remarks while conferring the Transparency in Leadership Merit Award 2022 on the Senator , the Director General of the Coalition , Dr Nwambu Gabriel , said the transparency briefing law enacted by Governor Dickson led administration in Bayelsa in 2012 and strict adherence to its provisions with attendant good governance to Bayelsans , made him to be the worthy awardee .