Taraba council chairmen urged to embrace LG autonomy

Chairmen of the 16 local government areas of Taraba State have been urged to embrace the local government autonomy for the gains of the Supreme Court ruling to be felt by everyone in the state.

Chairman of the Advisory Committee on local government autonomy, Peter Abel Diah, made the appeal at a sensitization and interactive session with local government chairmen.
He believed that the council chairmen could harness the power of local government autonomy to drive development, improve service delivery, and enhance the overall well-being of the communities.

The seven-member Advisory Committee was inaugurated to develop a framework for the implementation of local government autonomy in Taraba.

“You must be prepared to exercise your power judiciously, with transparency and accountability. You must work closely with traditional rulers and communities, listen to their concerns and ensure that the resources and decision-making processes are aligned with their needs, aspirations and priorities,” Diah advised.

The committee, who also took their time to sensitized and enlighten the Heads of local government administration and directors of finance, said the historic judgement affirms the importance of empowering “our local communities and bringing decision making closer to the people.”

They urged the heads of local government administration and the director of finance to step up and demonstrate their ability to manage resources judiciously, implement policies effectively and deliver tangible results that improve the lives of their people.

“You now have a unique opportunity to reshape the landscape of service delivery and development in your respective jurisdiction.”

Diah, a member representing Mbamnga constituency at the State House of Assembly, urged them to embrace a new mindset that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and inclusive decision-making.

“You must engage your communities, listen to their needs and aspirations and work collaboratively to develop solutions that address their most pressing concerns.

“This is your moment, your opportunity to redefine the role of local government and demonstrate the transformative power of decentralized decision-making.

“As the HOLGA and directors of finance, you must chart a new course for local governance in Nigeria. You must be the architect, the champions of change and catalysts for sustainable development at the grassroots level.”