The immediate past Chairman of Ungogo Local Government area of Kano State, Engineer Abdullahi Garba Ramat has called for the probe of himself and the governors of the 36 States over the huge income they have been getting as a result of the oil subsidy removal
In a statement, the local government boss, who voluntarily resigned early this month, February 5, said that the problem is not the oil subsidy removal but how the gains from it is being pocketed by governors thereby denying poor Nigerians the benefit of the removal.
“When I was a local government chairman, I received #200m per month before subsidy removal, but after the removal, I received #950m from federal Government the first month, through what they call joint account. “This amount continues monthly. We saved huge amount of money which we didn’t even know what to do with.
“Commoners (masses) are in hardship but we used the money for widows marriage programs which we sponsored (through L.G allocation). I believe Kano people are not aware that it is local Government that sponsored foreign scholarship 100%. Then construction of bridge (Dan Agundi flyover) without the approval of Local Government chairmen.
“Till the time I resigned, I have never been approved (to spend) at least #200m to work for the benefit of my people (Ungogo L.G). Out of the billions of naira we received, the state government swallowed it all.”
Engineer Abdullahi Ramat said however that the State Governor, Abba Yusuf is trying to give the chances but that “the cabals blocked the chances. I believe Abba will make a good Governor but must stop trying to please everyone. This is mistake.
“Likewise, all other 36 state governments plus FCT received the multiples of their allocations in addition to the #5 billions given by Mr. President for palliative but all are in vain. “Nothing goes to the poor, only hardship.
“Only few state governments used some of it to ease the lives of the masses.
“Whenever people talk we blame (President Bola) Tinubu. It is a lie. The causes are the states (governors).
“The biggest problem is that even the savings are being looted by the few individuals.
“We are suppose to be investigated by EFCC, ICPC and NFIU. We are talking with one of the NFIU directors, he opened his mouth listening, out of surprise from what I told him.
“I told him that I have some evidences and official documents. He said they’ll invite us officially.
“The Local Government is closed to the common men but the (governors) swallow the joint account.
“As a local government Chairman, you wouldn’t know what is happening. “It is not good to hear.
“This life is so selfish. Federal Government is doing her best.
“If the allocation wasn’t enough before, it is too much now (i.e, it is enough). I swear.
“I’m advising H.E Abba Kabir Yusuf to turn deaf ear to those cabals and give chances to the L.G. Chairmen, although I was not given a chance due to some reasons.”
Engineer Abdullahi Ramat announced his resignation as Ungogo local government chairman on February 5, via a post on his verified Facebook wall.
He said that he handed over the affairs of the council to the Vice Chairman of the Council.
The post reads: “Alhamdullah, I have today handed over to my Vice Chairman. I have of course done my best —with hundreds of projects to my name, bagged many awards within and beyond borders, including the Best Chairman award by the State House of Assembly. We move…”
It was gathered that Engineer Abdullahi Ramat’s resignation came at the time the tenure of the local government chairmen in the state is expected to end this February.
