ETHICS AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN BENUE STATE LOCAL GOVERNMENT: A STUDY OF UKUM LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL (1999-2003).
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This study examined ethics and accountability in Benue State Local Government, with particular reference to Ukum Local Government Council between 1999 and 2003. The period marked Nigeria’s return to democratic governance and renewed emphasis on transparency and responsible public administration. Despite constitutional provisions guiding local government administration, ethical misconduct and weak accountability mechanisms continued to affect service delivery at the grassroots level. The study adopted a historical and descriptive research approach, utilizing secondary data from textbooks, government documents, journals, and official records. Findings revealed that inadequate enforcement of ethical standards, political interference, and weak financial control mechanisms undermined accountability in Ukum Local Government Council during the period under review. The study concludes that ethics and accountability are indispensable for effective local governance and recommends strengthening institutional oversight, ethical reorientation of public officials, and enhanced community participation in local government administration.
Keywords: Ethics, Accountability, Local Government, Democracy, Ukum Local Government Council
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