Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno has approved the immediate commencement of direct payment of monthly statutory allocations to the accounts of the state’s 27 local government councils. The Acting Governor, Dr Umar Kadafur, announced the approval on Thursday in Maiduguri after presiding over the swearing-in of the newly elected council chairpersons. We are looking up to you at the grassroots to ensure transparency and accountability for every naira and kobo you receive,” Kadafur said. The acting governor also charged the chairpersons to prioritise the welfare of local government staff and ensure prompt payment of salaries and entitlements. Timely payment of salaries is non-negotiable, and productivity and discipline must be restored,” he said.