Why Poverty rate is increasing in Katsina state, by Abdulkadir safana

In a federal system like Nigeria, local governments are closer to the people and hence could effectively alter socio-economic and political conditions within their areas of jurisdiction.

The delaying of local governments elections in Katsina state has contributed in adding more hardship to the people working in the local level.

This game was initiated by the Shema administration. Starting from his first tenure, the katsina stated government couldn’t hold the LGs polls, rather used caretakers till the end of the tenure, it was alleged, before the end of the tenure, through the ministry of local government, N50 million were deducted from all the 34 local government’s federal allocation funds to cushion Shema’s second term bid. it was unfortunate the LGs election were held by almost the end of shema's second term in 2014.

When Governor Masari came in power in 2015, he dissolved all the elected PDP Chairmen following the ‘’constitutional provisions’’ according to him. Ever since now, the activities of our local governments are at standstill, nothing is going on in our local governments, because there are no elected leaders to administer them. Our local government funds are kept in the banks, while people are suffering in the rural areas.
The poverty rate in katsina State is increasing continuously. It is unfortunate that our local governments cannot award a single contract due to lack of elected executives. People are crying for lack of activities in our local government areas. 
How ever, we voted for change and good governance, i believe this administration can make a difference.