The Kano State Government has announced its commitment to implementing full local government autonomy, in line with the recent Supreme Court decision.Â
This declaration was made by Kano State Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, during the inaugural caucus meeting of the Forum of Commissioners for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs held in Abuja on Saturday.
Gwarzo emphasized that the newly-established forum is poised to have a significant impact across Nigeria, particularly in the context of financial autonomy for local governments.
Speaking on behalf of the forum, which he also chairs, Gwarzo made it clear that the state would not challenge any Supreme Court decisions but would instead seek safe and effective methods to manage their local government ministries.
“The local government service is currently facing numerous challenges as a result of the Supreme Court’s decisions,” Gwarzo noted. “This forum provides an essential platform for us to come together, discuss these issues, brainstorm, and find viable solutions.”
He pointed out the critical role that state chief executives and legislative arms play in relying on local government ministries for various functions.
Gwarzo highlighted the substantial responsibilities of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, noting that it is a crucial sector that requires trusted leadership.
Gwarzo also acknowledged the complexity of managing local government affairs in modern times, particularly without the integration of traditional institutions.
He remarked on the significant demands associated with chieftaincy affairs, which add to the challenges faced by local government administrators.
The deputy governor praised the formation of the forum, calling it a historic step towards leveraging collective expertise to drive progress and fortify the third tier of government.
He stressed the importance of addressing emerging issues that affect local governments nationwide, especially in light of recent judicial decisions.
Despite the progress, Gwarzo admitted that there remain several unresolved issues concerning local government existence in Nigeria, particularly in areas such as finance, administration, and elections.
The Supreme Court’s rulings have introduced complexities that the forum aims to navigate by providing informed advice to their principals on improving the local government system across the federation.
The forum’s primary objective is to create a collaborative platform where commissioners can discuss strategies to enhance the functionality and autonomy of local governments, thereby ensuring better governance and service delivery at the grassroots level.
