Pankshin Local Government Council of Plateau has inaugurated a 20-member Revenue Task force as part of efforts to boost its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
The Chairman of the Council, Mr John Damap, who inaugurated the task force in the council’s legislative chamber, said the constitution of the committee became imperative in view of the dismal revenue collection in the area.
“The residents of Pankshin are entitled to purposeful and good governance in which socioeconomic infrastructure will be provided and felt. So think deep out of the box and see the different ways through which revenue can be drawn.
“After all, the residents trusted us and voted us into office, and we owe them the responsibility to give back to them through our commitment to good governance.
“This demand huge capital and we can’t just rely on the federal allocations to meet up, hence, the resolve to boost our IGR for our desired growth and development,’’ he explained.
The chairman said the task force would be supervised by a five-member committee, chaired by the Council’s Deputy Chairman, Rev. Emmanuel Mbok.
He listed the task force terms of reference to include, ensuring prudent collection and well improved IGR, remit collection within 24 hours and writing of weekly reports to the supervisory committee for assessment.
Damap warned against any sharp practice, which he said shall attract serious sanctions including prosecution.
Responding on behalf of the task force, Mr Godfrey Gokum, a seasoned politician thanked the council chairman for finding them worthy for such serious assignment.
“We shall do our best not to fail you nor abuse the confidence reposed in us to see that the people of Pankshin taste the dividends of democracy,’’ Gokum assured.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that membership of the committee were drawn from various groups including; politicians, associations, paramilitary, religious and traditional leaders.
The committee has a year to complete its assignment.
