The Federal Government has directed the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) to increase its technical support to local councils, aiming to enhance fiscal transparency, accountability and effective resource management.
 
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, urged Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to extend their scrutiny to activities of political parties and State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs).  
  
The Federal High Court in Abuja, yesterday, reserved judgment in the suit filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) against INEC, against the conduct of local council elections in Rivers State.
 
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, disclosed the directive in Abuja during to a two-day stakeholders’ National Summit of Fiscal Responsibility Agencies (FRAs).
  
Akume, who was represented by the retired Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Sir Olusegun Adekunle, said support from FRC would improve service delivery, reduce corruption and promote economic development in local communities. 
 
He said: “The door-keeping responsibilities conferred on the FRC to monitor compliance with provisions of the Act, and issue associated Proof of Compliance consistent with Section 45 of the Act should be adhered to, for purposes of fiscal cohesion.

“I would like to emphasise the importance of respecting the Supreme Court’s ruling on the financial autonomy of local governments.

This decision is aimed at bringing governance closer to the people. In the light of this commendable development, I hereby direct the FRC to increase its technical support to local councils, towards their wholesale adoption of fiscal responsibility conduct, policies, and bylaws as practised at the federal level.”
 
In his address, Cross River State Commissioner for Finance, Michael Odere, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to financial prudence and transparency, prioritising responsible spending and sustainability.
 
He said: “As a prudent and transparent state, we prioritise responsible financial management. Our budgetary process is open and compliant with the law. Although we receive moderate allocations, we remain committed to financial discipline and accountability.”
 
Executive Chairman of FRC, Victor Muruako, emphasised the commission’s key mandate to encourage states to enact their own fiscal responsibility laws and establish agencies to enforce them.
 
He stressed the need for state governments to adhere to these provisions to ensure alignment and prevent fiscal mismanagement.

YAKUBU wondered why the civil society appeared unperturbed by the conduct of local government elections by the SIECs. 
 
The INEC boss made the call when a coalition of CSOs, under the aegis of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, led by its convener, Yinusa Ya’u, visited the commission’s headquarters in Abuja. 
 
He said the call became necessary to deepen democracy and enhance the conduct of elections in Nigeria.
 
While commending the contributions of the civil society community to the steady improvement witnessed in the democratic process and conduct of elections, Yakubu also averred that should be done by the CSOs to get other stakeholders more committed to deepening democracy.
 
He said: “No matter what INEC does, if other actors are not ready to play by the rules or in sync, we will continue to face challenges”.

JUSTICE Peter Lifu said a date for the judgment for the Rivers case would be communicated to parties to the suit when it is ready. 
 
The judge reserved judgment date after counsel to all parties adopted their various legal positions for and against the suit.
 
During proceedings, yesterday, the court listened to all pending preliminary applications, including those seeking joinder brought by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Boot Party (BP) as well as the substantive suit.
 
The court equally heard motions filed for change of counsel and another seeking the discontinuance of the suit on behalf of the Rivers chapter of the APC.
 
A senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Goddy Uche, filed and argued an application for change of counsel dated August 28 as well as a motion for the discontinuance of the suit signed by the Chairman of Rivers APC, Emeka Beke, and the Secretary, Sam Etetegwung.
 
 While Joseph Daudu (SAN), leading six SANs, moved the court to grant the reliefs sought by the plaintiff, Taiwo Taiwo (SAN), for the Attorney General of Rivers, and Femi Falana (SAN), representing the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), all challenged the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the case.
 
The party, in an originating summons marked FHC/ABJ/CS/987/2024, is seeking a declaration that INEC is bound to manage the updating and revising of the register in such a manner as to ensure that the process stops not later than 90 days before the council poll.