Senator Natasha H. Akpoti-Uduaghan has urged residents of Kogi Central to hold their local government chairmen accountable for how federal allocations are utilised, stressing that genuine development cannot occur without transparency at the grassroots.
Speaking on Saturday at a town hall meeting themed “Fixing Kogi Central Senatorial District Together,” the senator said communities must no longer remain silent while funds meant for public projects go unaccounted for.
She reminded constituents that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has repeatedly emphasised openness in the management of local government finances, a stance that reinforces citizens’ right to demand explanations from elected officials.
“You have the right to ask your local government chairmen how they spend the allocations released by the Federal Government,” she said. “These are public funds meant to improve your lives—roads, schools, health centres, water. You must demand answers.”
Senator Natasha noted that accountability at the local level forms the bedrock of effective governance, adding that no community can advance when public funds are diverted, mismanaged, or hidden from scrutiny.
The senator also used the forum to address the rights of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs). She assured that her office is partnering with the National Commission for Persons With Disabilities to help PWDs access employment opportunities and benefit from federal empowerment programmes.
She explained that the Federal Government has intensified implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities Act (2018), which mandates MDAs to reserve 5% of their workforce for PWDs and ensure public facilities are accessible.
Strict compliance with the law, she said, is critical to ending systemic exclusion and ensuring that development reaches all segments of society.
Senator Natasha called on community leaders, civil society groups, and youth organisations to support the campaign for transparency and inclusive governance. Active citizen involvement, she emphasised, remains the strongest tool for sustainable progress in Kogi Central.
“Our district will only grow when everyone—leaders and citizens—takes responsibility. Hold your LG chairmen accountable, insist on transparency, and work with us toward a better future,” she said.
Kogi Central Senator Urges Constituents to Demand Accountability From LG Chairmen
