Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, says his administration has taken a historic step towards strengthening grassroots governance with the submission of a bill to the Gombe State House of Assembly seeking to establish 13 new Local Council Development Areas.
PUNCH Online reports that the Senate recently organised North-East public hearing of the House Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution in July.
According to a Tuesday press statement signed by Director-General Press Affairs, Gombe Government House, Ismaila Misilli, said the move was in line with Yahaya’s deep commitment to bringing governance closer to the people, improving service delivery and promoting inclusive and participatory democracy across the state.
Our correspondent reports that the proposed LCDAs, designed as administrative sub-divisions of existing Local Government Areas, will play a vital role in addressing pressing local needs in security, education, healthcare, infrastructure and social services, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
“The LCDAs will also work closely with traditional institutions and community leaders to maintain peace, promote local development, and address emerging security concerns, in line with the provisions of the Gombe State Chieftaincy Law (as amended).
“The 13 proposed LCDAs and their designated headquarters are as follows; Akko North (Headquarters: Amada), Akko West (Headquarters: Pindiga), Balanga South (Headquarters: Bambam), Billiri West (Headquarters: Tal), Dukku North (Headquarters: Malala), Funakaye South (Headquarters: Tongo).
“Others are; Gombe South (Headquarters: Bolari), Kaltungo East (Headquarters: Wange), Kwami West (Headquarters: Bojude), Nafada West (Headquarters: Birin Fulani), Pero-Chonge (Headquarters: Filiya), Yamaltu East (Headquarters: Hinna) and Yamaltu West (Headquarters: Zambuk).”
The statement disclosed that to ensure smooth implementation, the bill provides for the establishment of Interim Management Committees that will oversee operations in each LCDA pending the conduct of substantive local elections.
“The reform will be rolled out in phases with clear operational frameworks, staffing structures and budgetary allocations to guarantee efficiency from the onset,” he added.
Yahaya called on the Gombe State House of Assembly to give the bill expeditious and favourable consideration.
He also urged citizens to embrace and support this visionary initiative, which reinforces Gombe State’s position as a leader in inclusive governance and grassroots-driven development in Nigeria.
