Bauchi gov directs LG chairmen to submit monthly security reports
Bauchi Governor Mohammed has called on newly elected council chairmen to enhance their collaboration with security agencies and assume greater responsibility for the safety of residents. The directive was issued during a meeting at the Government House in Bauchi, where the governor expressed his concerns about security challenges in Alkaleri, Toro, Ganjuwa, and Ningi local government areas.
Governor Mohammed disclosed that the Presidency has approved the deployment of additional military battalions to strategic locations, including Toro, Tafawa Balewa, and Alkaleri. He urged the council chairmen to conduct regular security meetings with Divisional Police Officers, traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders to bolster intelligence gathering and ensure timely responses to security threats.
The governor reminded the chairmen of their obligation to serve the public following their election during the August 17 local government polls, warning against the misuse of public office for personal gain. He urged them to exhibit transparency, integrity, and financial discipline in managing statutory allocations and internally generated revenue, stressing that administrative decisions must be open to public scrutiny.
In addition, Governor Mohammed directed the council leaders to maintain accurate records of financial transactions, official decisions, and development projects to foster accountability in local government administration. He highlighted the need for public officials in the opposition-controlled state to strictly adhere to financial regulations and established procedures.
On the topic of grassroots governance, the governor criticized elected officials for spending significant time outside their jurisdictions. He insisted that council chairmen must remain accessible to residents and be attuned to their needs. He also encouraged them to cultivate positive working relationships with their deputies, councillors, traditional rulers, and community stakeholders, emphasizing that effective governance relies on consultation and shared responsibility.
Governor Mohammed called for regular council meetings and peer-review arrangements among the 20 local governments to facilitate the exchange of ideas and the implementation of successful development initiatives. He referenced the recent death of Zaki Local Government Chairman, Mallam Mas’ud Aliyu Umar, as a reminder that political positions are temporary. He urged the chairmen to build resilient institutions capable of sustaining governance beyond individual officeholders.
Furthermore, he advised them to delegate responsibilities to their deputies to ensure administrative continuity in their absence. The governor stated that the performance of local governments should be evaluated based on their impacts on security, infrastructure, public services, and the overall living conditions of residents. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working with the councils to strengthen grassroots governance, improve security, and accelerate development across Bauchi State.
