Anchoring his demand on the Freedom of Information Law 2011, Gabin Asan Bennedict has written to the Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs demanding information on total allocations to the 23 local governments in the State from 2007 to 2013.
Part of his letter to the Permanent Secretary of the Bureau reads
“In accordance with Section 1 and 2 of the Freedom of Information Act 2011, I hereby apply to be furnished with adequate information regarding the following:
The actual allocation accrual to the Twenty Three Local Governments of Benue State from the Federation Account since June 2007 to June 2013.
The actual allocation accrual to the Twenty Three Local Governments of Benue State from the excess Crude Accounts since June 2007 to June 2013.
The actual amount re-allocated to the Twenty Three Local Governments of Benue State by the Benue State Joint Accounts from earns of 1 and 2 above, from June 2007 to June 2013. “
Asan a Development worker and a Program officer with Lawyers Alert seeks the information to assist him in assessing development at these levels in his research on the impact of excess crude fund at the grassroots as per improved development or the lack of it.
Accountability and Transparency in Governance especially at the local government levels is one area where not much has been done in terms of studies or holding local Authorities accountable especially given the level of awareness by the electorate at that tier of governance.