State governors are pleased with the Supreme Court’s decision granting financial autonomy to local governments, according to AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Governor of Kwara State.
Speaking to reporters before meeting President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday, AbdulRahman said the ruling relieves governors of a significant burden.
“We welcome the ruling of the Supreme Court. Governors are happy with the devolution of power in respect to local government autonomy. It relieves the burden on governors,” AbdulRahman said.
The Supreme Court’s judgment mandates that local governments receive their funds directly, bypassing state governments. AbdulRahman noted that compliance with the ruling is necessary, and the NGF has requested the enrollment order to study it thoroughly.
“Our Attorney Generals have applied for the enrollment order, which we’ll study carefully,” he explained.
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The NGF will meet next Wednesday to review the judgment and decide the way forward.
“The forum will meet next Wednesday to look at the issue wholly and then come up with a resolution on that,” AbdulRahman said.
He added that they have not yet seen the full details of the court order.
Regarding Kwara State, AbdulRahman stated that the judgment would not negatively affect it, as the state government has not been interfering with local government funds.
“We’ve never tampered with local government funds. What the local governments have to do is manage themselves, especially with the oncoming minimum wage,” he said.
AbdulRahman was joined by Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Imo State, at the Presidential Villa. They discussed various issues with President Tinubu, including the new minimum wage and other national concerns affecting the states.
“We’ve seen the President on various issues from minimum wage, the Supreme Court ruling, and other national issues that concern states as well,” AbdulRahman concluded.