Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani controlled local government funds and released far less than the councils received from the federal allocation, a local government chairman alleged on Wednesday.
The chairman said the state government released about N25 million monthly to some councils. However, each local government received between N500 million and N600 million from the Federation Account. He spoke on condition of anonymity because of fear of reprisal.
“Governor Uba Sani hijacked the allocations,” the chairman stated. “We got only a fraction of what belonged to the people.”
He added that the situation continued despite the Supreme Court ruling that granted financial autonomy to local governments. The chairman noted that councils struggled to pay salaries and execute projects as a result.
Transitioning to specific effects, the chairman explained that primary health care and road maintenance suffered greatly. Workers received salaries late or in parts. Basic services collapsed in many communities.
“Despite the huge inflows, development stalled,” he continued. “The little money we received could not cover even overhead costs.”
Other chairmen shared similar experiences but refused to speak publicly. They feared victimization from the state government.
Earlier reports showed that Kaduna State received substantial federal funds for its 23 local government areas. Yet, the chairman claimed that Governor Uba Sani directed most of the money elsewhere. He did not provide documents to support the claims in the initial discussion.
The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria in Kaduna had defended Governor Uba Sani in previous similar allegations. The group described such reports as inaccurate.
This latest claim emerged amid ongoing debates over local government autonomy across Nigeria. Many states still face accusations of interference in council finances.
