Buhari vows to enforce accountability in States, Local Govts.

Newly inaugurated Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, on Friday vowed to enforce responsible and accountable governance at all levels of government in the country.

In his first speech shortly after taking his oath of office, Mr. Buhari said with Nigeria’s new commitment to democracy and the determination by Nigerians to entrench its culture, there was need to clarify the relations between Abuja and the 36 states in the country’s best interest.

Although he acknowledged the limits to the powers of the three tiers of government as enshrined in the Constitution, the president said the Federal Government would not fold its arms and close its eyes to the goings-on in the states and local governments.

Making particular reference to the Local Government Joint Account, Mr. Buhari said although the Federal Government cannot interfere in the details of its operations, it would ensure that the gross corruption at the local level was checked.

“As far as the constitution allows me, I will try to ensure that there is responsible and accountable governance at all levels of government in the country,” the president said.