Councillors of Otukpo Local Government have pledged their support for the revenue upgrade initiative of the Council Chairman, Hon. Maxwell Ogiri, following a closed-door meeting with the Benue State Deputy Governor, Dr. Sam Ode, on Monday at Government House, Makurdi.
Briefing journalists, Deputy Leader of Otukpo Legislative Council and representative of Okete Ward, Hon. Gloria Ada Harrison, revealed that the legislative arm had initially had a misunderstanding with the Chairman over the revenue upgrade initiative, which utilizes a Point of Sale (POS) system as against the manual collection.
She however said the meeting has helped to bridge the communication gap between the two arms of government. Hon. Harrison called for improved communication between the Executive and Legislative arms to ensure peace and understanding that yields positive results for the area’s development. The Councillors had accused the Council Chairman of embezzling the council’s revenues.
Addressing rumors about the local government’s financial management, Hon. Ogiri emphasized the need for accountability and transparency in revenue collection through the POS system, which he said blocks leakages and improves the revenue profile of the area.
He acknowledged that the change might anger those who benefited from the previous system but remained committed to raising the local government’s revenue profile, which is crucial for improved federal funding.
Ogiri also highlighted the importance of peace and unity among local leaders, as emphasized by the Deputy Governor during the meeting. “The Deputy Governor urged the leaders to fulfill their roles as stakeholders to promote unity and development in Otukpo Local Government communities”, he said.
