Supreme Court Judgment Poses Challenges To Local Govt Service – Commissioners

By Abdullahi Yusuf

The-newly inaugurated Forum of Commissioners for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs says
the Local Government Service is facing numerous challenges as a result of the recent Supreme Court judgment granting financial Autonomy to the 774 Local Governments in the country.

Chairman of the Forum and Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, made the remark during the Forum’s Inaugural Caucus Meeting held in Abuja on Saturday.

A statement by the Deputy Governor’s Press Secretary, Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, quoted the Chairman as saying that the Forum therefore,”has more reasons to come together, discuss, brainstorm, and find a way forward.”

Gwarzo reminded the meeting that it is a known fact that the Chief Executives of every state and the Legislative Arm rely on the Ministry For Local Government for many things from the Local Governments.

He said the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs “in any state is by no means a small ministry, but a very large and critical sector that needs someone who is really trusted by the chief executive to head that ministry.”

He said they would not appeal the decisions of the Supreme Court but would “navigate through to find a safe way” of conducting the administration of their respective local government ministries.

The Chairman said their coming together to discuss and address emerging issues regarding their respective local governments nationwide is commendable and a historic step towards harnessing collective expertise to drive progress and strengthen the third tier of government.

He said there are still some grey areas regarding the existence of local governments in the country in terms of finances, administration and elections, among other rising issues triggered by the Supreme Court decisions.

“The Forum aims to create a platform to discuss how to advise their principals to improve the system across the country,” he said.