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From Abel Leonard, Lafia
The Chairman of the Nasarawa State chapter of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) and National President of ALGON, Muazu Maifata, has expressed delight over the Supreme Court judgement granting autonomy to local governments.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Maifata said the judgement is a welcome development that will enable local governments to provide more dividends of democracy to the people.
“We are happy with the judgement,” Maifata said. “The decision is accepted by Nigeria and Nigerians. Some governors have accepted the verdict and made pronouncements, especially the North Central Chairman of the Governors Forum and Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule.”
Maifata noted that the judgement will empower local government chairmen to do more for their people, stressing that it is about the people and the council.
On the issue of minimum wage, Maifata said once it becomes a law, local governments will have no choice but to pay or abide by it.
“The people are close to the LGAs, and the chairman will have no reason to fail,” he said.
Maifata also addressed the issue of some state governments using local government funds, saying it is not peculiar to all state governors.
“Some governors, like those of Lagos, Nasarawa, and Delta, are not interfering with local government funds,” he said.
Adding that the autonomy of local governments has been there, but the players were not wanting it to work.
“With this judgement, it is not about the people and law,” he said. “The future of local governments will be fruitful, creating a robust economy, strengthened security, and addressing other challenges.”
Maifata appreciated President Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope vision to empower the people and remove them from poverty.
“We commend the President for his vision to empower the people,” he said. “This judgement will help us achieve that vision.”
Maifata urged local government chairmen to be accountable and transparent in their dealings, saying that the judgement is an opportunity for them to serve the people better.
“We must be accountable and transparent in our dealings,” he said. “This judgement is an opportunity for us to serve the people better.”
The ALGON Chairman also called on the federal government to ensure that the judgement is implemented without delay.
“The federal government must ensure that this judgement is implemented without delay,” he said. “We must work together to ensure that local governments are empowered to serve the people better.”
