By Concerned Indigenous People of Bokkos Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria.
WE NEED ACCOUNTABILITY FROM OUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT LEADERSHIP
We, the indigenous people of Bokkos Local Government Area, are calling for *transparency, accountability and proper explanation of the management of public funds belonging to the people of Bokkos.*
This is not a political fight. It is not an attack on any individual. It is a legitimate demand by citizens who want to know how the resources meant for the development of Bokkos Local Government Area are being utilized.
We are particularly demanding clarification and proper public accountability concerning:
*1. The alleged fake or unsupported budget figures for security.*
*2. The alleged fake or unsupported budget figures for Agriculture.*
3. *The alleged fake or unsupported budget figures for Infrastructure.*
4. *The alleged fake or unsupported budget figures concerning Electricity.*
5. *The alleged fake or unsupported budget figures concerning Water Amenities and other essential services.*
6. *The actual amount of money budgeted for each project.*
7. *The amount actually released and spent.*
8. *The names and details of contractors awarded the projects.*
9. *The locations of the projects.*
10. *The current level of completion of each project.*
11. *Evidence of payment and implementation of the approved projects.*
The people of Bokkos Local Government Area have the right to ask questions concerning public resources and the development projects that are supposed to benefit our communities.
We therefore call on *legal practitioners, civil society organisations, community leaders, youths and all indigenous people of Bokkos* to study the relevant provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and applicable financial, procurement and anti-corruption laws so that our demand for accountability can be pursued through lawful channels.
Section 7 of the Constitution guarantees the system of local government by democratically elected local government councils and provides for their establishment, structure, finance and functions. Plac NG1
The people must therefore be able to ask legitimate questions about the administration and utilization of resources intended for grassroots development.
OUR DEMAND
We are not asking for confrontation.
We are asking for *DOCUMENTS.*
We are not asking for accusations.
We are asking for *FACTS.*
We are not asking anybody to be persecuted.
We are asking that *every allegation be independently investigated and every public fund be properly accounted for.*
If the budgets and projects are genuine, let the relevant documents be made available to the people.
If the projects were properly executed, let the locations, contracts, payments and evidence of completion be made public.
If there are discrepancies, let the appropriate authorities investigate them.
If public funds were properly used, those responsible should have nothing to fear from transparency.
The EFCC has itself publicly called for stronger accountability in local government spending, while the ICPC operates programmes specifically aimed at improving fiscal transparency, open procurement, citizen engagement and corruption prevention in local governments. Channels Television
A CALL TO THE PEOPLE OF BOKKOS
Let us demand accountability peacefully, responsibly and according to Nigerian law.
Let our legal practitioners guide the process.
Let our community leaders stand for transparency.
Let civil society organisations help monitor public projects.
Let the people of Bokkos ask questions about Security, Agriculture, Infrastructure, Electricity,Water Amenities and every other project appearing in the Local Government budget.
*BOKKOS BELONGS TO ALL OF US.*
*PUBLIC FUNDS BELONG TO THE PEOPLE.*
*DEVELOPMENT MUST BE VISIBLE.*
*ACCOUNTABILITY IS NOT AN ATTACK — IT IS A CITIZEN’S RIGHT TO DEMAND RESPONSIBLE GOVERNANCE.*
We therefore call for a transparent review of the Bokkos Local Government budgets, project implementation, expenditure records and relevant financial documents, with appropriate authorities invited to investigate any credible evidence of financial irregularities.
LET THE DOCUMENTS SPEAK.
LET THE FACTS SPEAK.
LET ACCOUNTABILITY PREVAIL.
*NOTE:* The images provided above is an evidence of a concern citizen of langtang local government asking for accountability .
Signed:
*Concerned Indigenous People of Bokkos Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria*
