Nataro: Governors can do more

A Public Sector reform advocate, Mallam Salihu Isa Nataro, has said that state governors can do more than provision of infrastructure and social amenities to win citizens’ confidence in governance in the country. He noted that the removal of fuel subsidy has made more money available to governors, state chief executives should endeavour to show […]

A Public Sector reform advocate, Mallam Salihu Isa Nataro, has said that state governors can do more than provision of infrastructure and social amenities to win citizens’ confidence in governance in the country.

He noted that the removal of fuel subsidy has made more money available to governors, state chief executives should endeavour to show transparency in budget execution.

Nataro, who was a former governorship contender in Kebbi State, said the new impetus provided by the Supreme Court for direct fund allocation to the Local Government Councils makes it incumbent on stakeholders to take interest in what goes on in their constituencies and states.

In a statement made available to journalists in Abuja, Monday, the Public Finance expert stated: “I have just come back from a visit to my state. I saw first hand the efforts of the incumbent Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, who has embarked on many laudable projects in the state.

“The government is undertaking the construction of about 20 to 30 kilometres/double lane upgraded of the road from Zauro to main city in Birnin Kebbi as well as a lot of ongoing new projects.

“But, my sources of worry are whether those projects are priorities at this time and whether the government will be able to see them through with the desperate social condition of citizens in the state,” Nataro stated.

Nataro, an Associate member of of Management Consultants of Nigeria, advised the governor to streamline projects being undertaken by his administration so as to avoid overburdening the state’s finances.

He urged Governor Idris to publish the audited financial statements of the account of all the projects he started and how much he received as income in line with the dictates of public accountability and probity.

Nataro stated: “Publishing the financial statement, especially how much the government is spending on the projects will enable citizens and stakeholders to see how they can proffer solutions to contain the present economic situation we found our self.

“As a Professional Auditor, I know the government should need new ideas of Advanced Technology, which makes it easier for citizens to see the financial outlay. Result ca also be available within a week alongside pictures of all the completed/ongoing projects and benefitting communities if possible.”

On how to bring inclusivity in governance, Mallam Nataro urged Governor Idris to honour past leaders of the state such as Mamman Jega either by naming public institutions after them.

He said such gestures would go a long way to show that the state is proud of its sons and daughters that devoted themselves to the good of Nigeria, such as Prof Attahiru Jega, Media mogul, Mahmud Jega, Abubakar Garba Koko, who was a good administrator, scholar, philanthropist and father of Bashir Koko, former MD Liquefied Natural Gas NNPC.

Mallam Nataro also argued that at efforts should not be spared to carry the masses the along, stressing that participatory orientation is crucial at this point in the nation’s history.

“Towards this end, I think Governor Idris should look for ways to create an Emirate in Jega to be named Emir of Marina, formerly Sarkin Marinan Jega. it was Saikin Marina that governed Jega in the past, before Abdul Azeez.

“the governor should also expand all the district / areas such as Birnin Yari, Gindi among others, to form what could be called Jega, since Jega people have shown gratitude for the efforts of Sarkin Marina and all those that brought businesses and commerce in Jega during Colonial days, when dying culture was the only big business in Nigeria.

“This could reopen business transactions between Jega and Ghana and a lot other African countries, as well as rebuilding ways to liaise with Kano and Gusau people that’s why Jega is commercial centre in the state with entrepreneurs again.

“All these measures could also help to automatically avert frictions and imminent crisis among Jega people that are agitating for separate Emirate to have a lasting peace,” Mallam Nataro declared.