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From Abdulrazaq Mungadi, Gombe
The Gombe State Governor and Chairman of the Northern State Governors’ Forum (NSGF), Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has declared his support for local government autonomy, stating that no state governor has the capacity to obstruct its implementation if it is backed by the Presidency and the courts.
Governor Yahaya made the remarks during his latest quarterly live media chat, where he responded to questions on the practicality and implications of granting full financial and administrative autonomy to local governments in the country.
He said, “I have no objection to local government autonomy. Why not. If the President says so and the courts are involved, then so be it. No governor can stop it. However, nobody should blame me if it fails.”
The governor stressed that autonomy must be guided by clear rules, institutional discipline, and effective oversight to deliver results.
“Local governments can be paid directly and listened to, but there are established rules and regulations governing the federal, state and local governments. State authorities and legislatures have roles in checkmating and implementing activities. Nigerians should also pay attention to what follows after autonomy is granted.”
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The NSGF chairman dismissed allegations that state governments divert local government funds, insisting that his administration in Gombe operates a transparent and accountable system.
“As Allah is my witness, in Gombe State, I do not spend or use local government funds. I have comprehensive details of what they receive, what they currently have, and how the funds are applied. I can make these details available if required,” Governor Yahaya said.
He disclosed that all local governments in Gombe State currently have sufficient funds, contrasting the situation with previous years when councils struggled to meet basic obligations.
“We all know what happened in the past, when local governments could not pay gratuities, had to borrow to pay salaries, and recorded little in terms of meaningful development,” he noted.
The quarterly media chat, which was broadcast in Hausa language, formed part of Governor Yahaya’s ongoing public engagement aimed at clarifying policy positions and addressing key governance issues at both state and national levels.
