By Sunday Oyinloye
A member of the Governing Board of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Rt. Hon. Sam Onuigbo, has commended Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, for directing that local government funds from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) be paid directly to councils in the state.
Onuigbo described the directive as commendable and a sterling example for other governors to emulate, noting that it would help ensure the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform initiatives at the grassroots.
In a letter of commendation dated February 2, 2026, Onuigbo, who also chairs the NEDC Committee on Security, Special Intervention and Climate Change, said posterity would remember Governor Zulum’s action as an emblem of transparency and ethical leadership.
According to him, the governor’s declaration that local government funds should be routed directly to council treasuries rekindles hope in Nigeria, particularly as it comes from an incumbent governor. He said the move vindicated his long-held position that democracy cannot be fully felt at the grassroots due to state governors’ control of local government allocations.
Recall that penultimate week, Governor Zulum ordered the direct payment of monthly federal allocations to the 27 local government areas of Borno State, explaining that the decision was aimed at boosting transparency and empowering local government chairpersons to drive grassroots development.
Onuigbo , a former two-term member of the House of Representatives, said he decided to commend the governor for his courage and purposeful leadership, describing the directive as being in line with the constitution, democratic due process and the interests of the masses.
Part of the letter reads: “My attention was drawn to a piece of joyous report regarding Your Excellency’s firm directive that the monthly federal allocation to the 27 local governments 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 actualise and fast-track grassroots development.
“I am highly excited that such a succinct directive came from an incumbent state chief executive. I feel vindicated, having been at the forefront of advocacy for the financial autonomy of local government councils over the years.”
Onuigbo noted that his advocacy for local government autonomy came at great personal and political cost, adding that his experience as a former commissioner gave him first-hand knowledge of how financial constraints hindered councils from effectively discharging their constitutional responsibilities.
While praying for continued wisdom for Governor Zulum, Onuigbo said local government chairpersons in Borno State now have the opportunity to prove their mettle by contributing meaningfully to the fight against insecurity, unemployment and anti-social behaviour among youths.
He also recalled President Tinubu’s call on governors to allow funds accruing to states to trickle down to the grassroots to ease economic hardship, stressing that the dividends of democracy can only be delivered when every tier of government performs its constitutional role.
For years, Onuigbo has consistently advocated for direct allocation to the third tier of government through lawmaking and public advocacy.
