Nigeria Governors' Forum welcomes Supreme Court ruling on local government financial autonomy. NGF Chairman AbdulRazaq says it relieves governors' burden. Governors deny tampering with LG funds. NGF to meet for resolution. Stakeholders commend the verdict. Implications for local governance and resource management are discussed.
The Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF) has expressed relief following the Supreme Court's verdict on local government financial autonomy. Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor spoke at the State House in Abuja, welcoming the ruling and stating that compliance is assured.
The Supreme Court mandated the Federal Government to directly pay local government funds into their exclusive accounts, declaring it unconstitutional for state governors to hold these funds. AbdulRazaq, accompanied by Governors Bala Mohammed of Bauchi and Hope Uzodimma of Imo, emphasized that this decision relieves the burden on governors, who often bail out local governments financially.
Contrary to speculation, AbdulRazaq asserted that governors have never tampered with local government funds. He believes the autonomy will enable local governments to better manage their affairs without significantly affecting states. The NGF plans to meet next Wednesday to formulate a resolution on the matter.
The governor also addressed President Bola Tinubu's recent meeting with labor leaders regarding the new minimum wage. He noted that the tripartite committee has submitted its report, and any adjustment to figures is the president's prerogative, subject to National Assembly debate.
The Supreme Court's ruling has garnered widespread commendation from various stakeholders, including President Tinubu, governors, political leaders, and lawmakers. It marks the end of a long-standing battle for local government financial autonomy in Nigeria.
This development is seen as a significant step towards strengthening local governance and ensuring more direct management of resources at the grassroots level. The governors' positive response suggests a willingness to adapt to this new framework, potentially leading to improved service delivery and accountability in local government administration.
