Several states and local government areas may be in for hard times, no thanks to the dwindling revenue accruing to them from the Federation Account.

Until there is a better revenue from the Federal Government to the states and the local governments and Abuja, Nigerians will need to tighten their belts in the days ahead, it was learnt yesterday.

Former Kwara State Governor Bukola Saraki gave the warning at the weekend in Omupo, Ifelodun Local Government Area at the empowerment programme of a member representing Ifelodun/Oyun/Offa in the House of Representatives, Dr Rafiu Ibrahim.

Saraki, who represents Kwara Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, noted that those challenges informed his decision and the like minds, to pitch their tents with the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the change the country earnestly needs.

Saraki, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Ecology and Environment, said: "Unfortunately, we cannot depend only on the Federal, states and councils to do everything, especially in today's environment when the revenue that should be going to the different tiers of government is much less than what is expected.

"Many of us have been shouting that there is need for government to increase the revenues so that there is more money to the states and the councils, particularly the council chairmen who, unfortunately, come at a time when there are challenges, because a lot is expected of them at the grassroots.

"But, clearly, they cannot do magic in an environment when the revenue accruing to them from the top is not adequate. There is need for a serious government to address the issue of revenue so that the people at the grassroots can feel the impact of government.

"Where council chairmen are barely just paying salaries, what time do they have for development? This is the period when all of us must support our people and not rely on council chairmen for everything."

On the 2015 general elections, the former governor urged the gathering to be wary of "Abuja politicians" who would come around only during elections.

Saraki said: "I told you severally, my people in Kwara State, election will come and go. My people, don't let anybody come and deceive you. Our royals, women and youths, we are here all seasons; we don't come and we don't go. Since May 2011 till date, who have you been seeing? Now, you will see many people, but you know those who are consistent."