ADMINISTRATION ABUSE AFFETING PUBLIC ACCONTABILITY IN SELLECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF BORNO STATE

This research examined the prevalence, nature, and impact of administrative abuses on public accountability in local government administration in Borno State. Using both quantitative and qualitative research methods, the study gathered data from local government officials, community stakeholders, and civil society members. Findings revealed that administrative abuses such as embezzlement, ghost workers, contract inflation, political victimization, and extra-budgetary spending are systemic and widespread across the selected LGAs. These abuses negatively affect service delivery, reduce institutional effectiveness, weaken ethics, and erode public trust. The study further discovered that the state– local government joint account system contributes significantly to financial opacity and administrative misconduct. Limited civic participation and poor awareness among citizens also worsen the accountability crisis. The study concludes that administrative abuses have deeply undermined grassroots development and democratic governance in Borno State. It recommends institutional reforms, transparency in budgeting and procurement, stronger oversight mechanisms, citizen empowerment, and depoliticization of local government appointments to restore accountability and service delivery.