Govs Welcome Supreme Court Ruling On LG Autonomy

Kwara State governor and Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq has described the Supreme Court judgement on local government autonomy as a welcome development.

The governor in a statement issued Friday evening by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye said the 36 states governors welcomed the ruling of the apex court.

AbdulRazaq also disclosed that the NGF will meet on Wednesday to look at the issues wholly and then come up with resolutions.

The statement reads, “We welcome the ruling of the Supreme Court; compliance is a given. Our Attorney-Generals have applied for the enrollment order, which we’ll study carefully.

“By and large, the Governors are happy with the devolution of power with respect to local government autonomy. It relieves the Governors of some burdens. People really don’t know how much states expend in bailing out local governments. It’s not going to affect the state; we’ve not tampered with local government funds.

“What the local governments have to do is to manage themselves, especially with the upcoming minimum wage. They have to manage their affairs and make sure salaries are paid and traditional rulers get their five percent. Those are the main issues.

“The Forum will meet next Wednesday to look at the issues wholly and then come up with resolutions.

“As you are aware, the tripartite committee (on the minimum wage) has met and submitted its report. The decision on the figure is the prerogative of the President, which he would also transmit to the National Assembly for a robust debate before it’s adopted.”