The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC) has called for an urgent review of the constitutional provisions relating to local governments’ funding in the country.
Mr Ekpo Nta, the Acting Chairman of ICPC, made the call in Abuja on Wednesday at the ongoing 3-day National Workshop on Mathematics.
Nta, speaking on “Effective Management of Local Government Resources,’’ said the commission had “we have prosecuted quite a number of local government staff.’’
Nta said the operation of joint state and local government account over the years had slowed physical development and fiscal maturity at the local government level.
“In view of the constitutional limitations, ICPC can only assist development at the grassroots by proactively monitoring the operation of these joint accounts.
?“We are monitoring selected states, especially those run by caretaker committees for several years.’’
The Director General of the National Mathematical Centre (NMC), organisers of the workshop, Prof. Sam Ale, said the workshop was part of efforts to enhance teaching and learning of mathematics at the grassroots.
Ale said that the best way to address the general apathy towards mathematics was to start with Education Secretaries in the local governments.
Mr Tajudeen Awe, Chairman, Irepodun/ Ifeolodun Local Government Area of Ekiti and a participant, described the workshop as educative.
He said mathematics was one of the keys to the management of local government accounts.
Other participant, Mrs Naomi Dalyop, Education Secretary of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau, said the workshop had changed her attitude towards mathematics.
She promised to apply the knowledge gained to revive the interest of pupils and students in mathematics.
The theme of the workshop is “Mathematics, Key to National Transformation: the Role of Local Governments.''
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